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Shorthand Reporter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McLennan County

COURT REPORTER

Waco, TX · On-site

$37.21 - $53.30/hr

Machine Shorthand verbatim record of all court proceedings * Transcribe all court records on appeal in accordance with Uniform Format Manual and appellate guidelines * E-file all appellate records ...

Openwork, LLC

Court Reporter

Houston, TX

$62.22/hr

Transcribe shorthand notes into well-formatted, grammatically correct documents * Read back the ... Certified Shorthand Reporter or equivalent credential * Strong shorthand writing and transcription ...

State of Oklahoma

Court Reporter

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$65K/yr

Qualified candidates must be certified/licensed by the State Board of Examiners of Official Shorthand Reporter** Basic Purpose Positions in this job family are responsible for recording and ...

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How much do shorthand reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for shorthand reporter in the United States is $80,550.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Shorthand Reporter vs Court Reporter?

AspectShorthand ReporterCourt Reporter
CredentialsShorthand reporting certification, stenography skillsSame as shorthand reporter, often with additional court reporting certifications
Work EnvironmentLegal, governmental, or corporate settingsCourts, legal proceedings, depositions
Industry UsageLegal and official transcriptionLegal proceedings, courtrooms, depositions

Both shorthand reporters and court reporters use stenography to transcribe spoken words. While shorthand reporters may work in various settings like corporate or governmental environments, court reporters primarily work in courtrooms and legal settings. The roles overlap significantly in skills and certifications, but court reporters are specifically associated with legal proceedings and courtrooms.

How much do freelance stenographers make?

Freelance stenographers typically earn between $30,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, workload, and the complexity of assignments. They often charge by the hour or by the project, with rates ranging from $50 to $200 per hour. Successful freelance stenographers need strong transcription skills, certification, and a reliable recording setup.

Are stenographers in demand?

Shorthand reporters, also known as stenographers, are in demand in legal, governmental, and corporate settings where real-time transcription is required. The profession requires specialized skills and certification, and employment opportunities are expected to grow as demand for accurate, immediate transcription services increases.

What kind of reporter uses shorthand?

A shorthand reporter, also known as a court reporter or stenographer, uses shorthand to quickly transcribe spoken words during legal proceedings, interviews, or live events. They typically use specialized equipment like stenotype machines and require certification in shorthand or stenography skills.

What are some common challenges Shorthand Reporters face during live proceedings, and how can they overcome them?

Shorthand Reporters often face challenges such as maintaining accuracy under time pressure, dealing with multiple speakers talking simultaneously, and managing technical equipment. To overcome these challenges, it's important to develop strong listening and concentration skills, regularly practice shorthand speed, and stay up-to-date with technology used for digital transcription. Working closely with colleagues and attorneys to clarify unclear statements and using high-quality recording devices can also help ensure precise and complete records.

Will stenographers be replaced by AI?

Shorthand reporters, also known as stenographers, use specialized equipment and skills to transcribe spoken words quickly and accurately. While AI and speech recognition technology have advanced, they are not yet capable of fully replacing the accuracy, speed, and contextual understanding provided by trained stenographers, especially in legal and official settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Shorthand Reporter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Shorthand Reporter, you need excellent shorthand transcription skills, a strong command of language, and typically a relevant qualification in shorthand or stenography. Familiarity with transcription software, digital recording devices, and often certification from a professional body are important technical requirements. Attention to detail, strong listening skills, and the ability to work under pressure make someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for accurately capturing and producing reliable verbatim records of proceedings, which are essential in legal and official contexts.

What are shorthand reporters?

Shorthand reporters, also known as court reporters or stenographers, are professionals who use specialized shorthand techniques or stenotype machines to transcribe spoken words quickly and accurately in real time. They typically work in legal settings such as courtrooms, depositions, and hearings, but may also provide transcription services for conferences, meetings, or broadcast media. Their accurate records are essential for legal proceedings and may be referenced during appeals or future cases. Shorthand reporters must have excellent listening skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in shorthand or stenotype technology.
More about Shorthand Reporter jobs
What job categories do people searching Shorthand Reporter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Shorthand Reporter jobs are:
Shorthand Reporter jobs near you
COURT REPORTER

COURT REPORTER

McLennan County

Waco, TX • On-site

$37.21 - $53.30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 26 days ago

McLennan County rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

635th of 668 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary: $37.21 - $53.30 Hourly
Location : Waco, TX, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: 19TH DISTRICT COURT
Opening Date: 09/12/2025
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 5:00 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position Summary
A Machine Certified Shorthand Reporter, under general supervision, makes a verbatim record of court proceedings, produces transcripts, maintains and retrieves files, assists the public and performs general secretarial duties.
Essential Functions
  • Must comply with the Code of Ethics and Chapter 52 of the Government Code
  • Machine Shorthand verbatim record of all court proceedings
  • Transcribe all court records on appeal in accordance with Uniform Format Manual and appellate guidelines
  • E-file all appellate records with the courts of appeals
  • Prepare jury charges
  • Provide written transcripts of all proceedings upon request
  • Planning and scheduling related to court reporting transcript deadlines
  • Maintain accurate court proceedings log
  • Capture spoken dialogue with specialized equipment, including stenography machines, video and audio recording devices, and covered microphones
  • Report speakers' identification
  • Read or play back all or a portion of the proceedings upon request from the judge
  • Ask speakers to clarify inaudible or unclear statements or testimony
  • Provides copies of transcripts and recordings to the courts, counsels, and parties involved
  • Preserve shorthand notes for future reference, per statutory guidelines
  • Mark and retain all exhibits introduced in court proceedings and later file with the district clerk and/or Sheriff's Department
  • Schedule a Certified Shorthand Reporter to serve in your absence
  • Regular attendance and timeliness are required

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER: The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.
Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION:
Required:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Successful completion of Machine Certified Shorthand Reporting Program

SKILLS ~ EXPERIENCE:
Required:
  • Valid Texas Driver License (Class C)
  • Must be a State of Texas Certified Shorthand Reporter (certification must be renewed every two years)
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court staff, judges, County employees, attorneys and the general public
  • Ability to work expeditiously and accurately under pressure (stressful situations) while maintaining a professional manner
  • Knowledge of computer equipment to include Windows and Microsoft based products
  • Must have good public communication skills and patience for telephone calls and in-person inquiries
Preferred:
  • Two or more years' experience in court reporting operations
  • Real-time reporting capabilities
  • Registered Professional Reporter
  • Member of TCRA and/or NCRA
DISCLAIMER: McLennan County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudications in the past seven years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records, and educational attainment. A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered individually.
All Employees
oMust be committed to achieving excellence in assigned duties, always in service of the county and community
oMust have ability to earn and keep the trust of fellow employees and the community at large
oMust be approachable and ready to help fellow employees and the general public
Supplemental Information
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Works primarily indoors in well-lighted, air-conditioned environment. Frequent contact with the public and other County employees
PHYSICAL DEMAND REQUIREMENTS: Continuous sitting while making court records, answering telephone, computer work, and transcribing. Fine dexterity needed to operate shorthand machine, and computer
HOURS / SPECIAL CONDITIONS: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., dependent on the needs of the office
McLennan County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudications in the past seven years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records, and educational attainment. A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered individually.
McLennan County offers a full range of employee benefit programs for eligible employees and their families. These programs include group health plans for medical with an option to open a Health Saving Account (HSA) with a County-paid contribution of $2000 over a year. We offer dental and vision coverage, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), life and long & short term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care accounts. Employees participate in the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS) with a $2.50 County match for every $1.00 of employee contribution. In addition to these benefits we offer 12 paid holidays and a free gym membership program for health plan participants.
*Note: These benefits are for full time McLennan County employees only. Part time Mclennan County employees are only eligible to participate in the Retirement System. Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) employees recieve a different benefit package through the state.
01
Do you have a current and Valid Texas driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

02
I have successfully completed a Machine Certified Shorthand Reporting Program?
  • Yes
  • No

03
I am a State of Texas Certified Shorthand Reporter?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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