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Stenographer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Stenographer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$5

$40

$59

How much do stenographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for stenographer in Rochester, NY is $40.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.46 and $59.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Stenographer Do?

As a stenographer, your responsibilities are to transcribe courtroom proceedings, depositions, other legal meetings, public meetings, or real-time closed captioning for a live event. Your duties are to quickly and accurately type testimonies to ensure that there is a record for posterity or so that those who are hard of hearing can easily understand what is being said. In this role, you typically use a stenography machine which is a specialized typing machine that allows you to type much faster and be more accurate than you would if using a traditional keyboard.

Is being a stenographer hard?

Being a stenographer requires strong listening, fast typing skills, and the ability to transcribe speech accurately at high speeds. The job can be demanding due to the need for precision and concentration, especially during long shifts or complex proceedings. Training and certification can help improve proficiency and job performance.

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

To thrive as a Stenographer, you need excellent shorthand and typing speed, strong command of language, and typically a relevant diploma or certification in stenography. Familiarity with transcription software, digital recording devices, and word processing systems is often required. Attention to detail, confidentiality, and strong organizational skills help a stenographer excel in recording and managing information accurately. These skills are crucial to ensure timely, precise documentation and secure handling of sensitive data in legal, corporate, or government settings.

What are some common challenges stenographers face in maintaining accuracy and speed during proceedings?

Stenographers often encounter challenges when proceedings move quickly, participants speak over each other, or technical terminology is used. Maintaining both high speed and accuracy requires intense focus, strong shorthand skills, and the ability to adapt to different accents or speaking styles. Regular practice, ongoing training, and familiarity with the subject matter can help manage these challenges. Additionally, working in a team or with supportive technology can ease the burden during particularly complex or lengthy sessions.

What qualifications do I need for stenography?

To become a stenographer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and specialized training in shorthand and transcription, often through a postsecondary program or certification course. Strong listening, typing, and computer skills are essential, and certification from a recognized organization can enhance job prospects.

What are stenographers and what do they do?

Stenographers are professionals trained to transcribe spoken words quickly and accurately, often using a special shorthand machine. They are commonly employed in courtrooms, legal proceedings, and business meetings to create official written records of everything that is said. Their work ensures that there is an accurate, verbatim transcript available for reference, legal documentation, or future review. Stenographers must possess excellent listening skills, attention to detail, and strong command of language. They play a crucial role in maintaining transparency and accountability in official settings.

Are stenographers still in demand?

Stenographers, particularly court reporters and transcriptionists, continue to be in demand for legal, medical, and corporate settings. The job requires proficiency in shorthand, stenotype machines, and sometimes real-time transcription skills, with employment opportunities influenced by technological advancements and industry needs.

What do a stenographer do?

A stenographer transcribes spoken words quickly and accurately using shorthand or specialized equipment like a stenotype machine. They often work in legal, medical, or corporate settings, producing official records such as court transcripts or meeting minutes. Strong typing skills, attention to detail, and certification are typically required for this role.

What is the difference between Stenographer vs Court Reporter?

AspectStenographerCourt Reporter
CredentialsTyping speed, stenography certificationStenography certification, court reporting license
Work EnvironmentOffices, government agencies, courtsCourts, legal proceedings, depositions
Industry UsageLegal, government, corporateLegal, judiciary, law firms
Primary RoleTranscribe spoken words quickly using shorthandRecord verbatim court proceedings and depositions

Both Stenographers and Court Reporters use shorthand to transcribe spoken words, often requiring similar certifications. However, Court Reporters typically work directly within legal settings, focusing on court proceedings and depositions, while Stenographers may work in various industries including government and corporate sectors. The roles overlap in skills but differ mainly in their specific work environments and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Stenographer jobs in Rochester, NY? For Stenographer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Stenographer jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Stenographer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Stenographer jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Stenographer job openings:
Infographic showing various Stenographer job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 49% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $83,866 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Grand Jury Stenographer, prov.

Monroe County, NY

Rochester, NY • On-site

$68K - $95K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Monroe County (New York) rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

167th of 836 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Location: Rochester, NY
Title: Grand Jury Stenographer, prov.
Deadline: Until Filled
Salary: $68,569 - $95,556 annual salary, plus $10,000 annual stipend
Agency/Dept.: District Attorney's Office
Description of Duties
This is a legal stenographic position responsible for taking and transcribing verbatim testimony before the Grand Jury. Duties involve taking shorthand notes verbatim on a shorthand machine at two-hundred (200) plus words per minute of proceedings, and transcribing confidential testimony and statements from defendants using computer-aided transcription software. A Grand Jury Stenographer is responsible for timely transcript production, which may occasionally involve working extra hours to meet tight deadlines. The employee reports directly to, and works under the general supervision of the Director of Attorney Training and Grand Jury or other higher-level staff member and performs work in accordance with well-established procedures. Does related work as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma plus EITHER:
(A) Two (2) years paid full-time or its part-time equivalentverbatim reporting experience; OR,
(B) One (1) year paid full-time or its part-time equivalent verbatim reporting experience PLUS either graduation from a formal program in court reporting (ex. Registered Professional Reporter [RPR], Registered Merit Reporter [RMR], Certified Realtime Reporter [CRR] certificates) OR graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate's degree or Certificate in Court Reporting*.
NOTE : Candidates qualifying under option (B) must submit a copy of such certification or diploma with application.

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