Job Description - Court Reporter:
A court reporter records transcripts of spoken words at events including court proceedings, meetings and speeches. He or she must provide an accurate and complete record of these events so that they can be referenced in the future when necessary. There are several methods of court reporting, including stenographic, electronic and voice reporting, but voice reporting is only permitted in some states.
Employment Facts - Court Reporter:
There were 22,000 court reporters employed in the United States in 2008.
Educational Requirements - Court Reporter:
Training varies by the reporting method one plans to use. For example, a real-time stenographic court reporter's training, which is offered by postsecondary vocational and technical schools and colleges, takes an average of 33 months. An electronic reporter or transcriber learns his or her skills on the job. One can become a novice voice reporter in under a year but it takes at least two years to become proficient.
Other Requirements - Court Reporter:
Court reporters must be licensed in some states, and to obtain this license one must pass a written exam. The National Verbatim Reporters Association offers three national certifications that voice reporters may use in lieu of state licenses in states that permit voice reporting. Voice reporters must obtain continuing education credits to retain their certification. Various professional associations offer voluntary certifications.
Job Outlook - Court Reporter:
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job growth for court reporters will be faster than the average for all occupations through 2018.
Earnings - Court Reporter:
Court reporters earned a median annual salary of $47,810 in 2009.
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a court reporter currently earns in your city.
A Day in a Court Reporter's Life:
On a typical day a court reporter's tasks might include:
- using a stenotype machine, audio equipment or the voice-recording method to record statements during official proceedings
- creating and maintaining a computer dictionary that a stenographic or voice-writing reporter uses to translate keystrokes or voice files into written text
- identifying proper names and places to ensure accuracy
- editing computer-generated transcripts for correct grammar
- preparing transcripts and making copies
- developing storage and retrieval procedures for notes, files and recordings
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Court Reporter, on the Internet at http://www.onetonline.org/link/details/23-2091.00 (visited May 09, 2011).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Court Reporter, on the Internet at http://www.onetonline.org/link/details/23-2091.00 (visited May 09, 2011).
