subject: Looking At Court Reporter Salaries [print this page] One of the fastest growing careers today is that of a court reporter. With so many possible job opportunities, court reporter salaries can be very lucrative.
Before you decide on this career, you need to first understand a little about what it is and the skills involved. A court reporter literally takes live speech and turns it into written word that others can read. If you have been to a courtroom, or even watched one on television, you have undoubtedly seen a court reporter at work. They are the ones sitting at the front below the judge and witnesses who are concentrating on what is going on. Usually there hands seem to be flying over their machines as they record everything being said.
There are basically two techniques that a court reporter may use. One is steno typing and the other is voice writing. With steno typing, the recorder has a special machine that is able to use more than one key at a time. The keys have symbols for various words, sounds, etc. The recorder uses this device to transcribe all that is being said, and then later transcribes it into written text that others can understand. Another technique is called voice writing. With this, the recorder speaks into a steno mask and recites all testimony. Others in the room cannot hear what she is saying. The words are then transcribed later. With both techniques it is possible to have transcription done in real time, if needed.
Specific training is needed for this profession. Different types of certification are possible. A reporter with several certifications will have more opportunities for more jobs, and, therefore, will usually make more money. Full certification usually takes a little over two years. Some basic training can be done in around six months, but it will not offer as many job opportunities or as much money. Even after certification, most court reporters must take continuing education classes on a regular basis to keep their certification.
Although we commonly think of court reporters working only in a courtroom setting, this is not always the case. Some work for a fixed salary while others prefer to work on a freelance basis. Freelancers do things like take statements for lawyers, take minutes of meeting, and record important functions at various conventions. A very rapidly growing job for court reporters is doing closed captioning for television. While some prefer to work for the government on a salary with benefits, others prefer freelancing. Some choose to do a little of both.
A starting court reporter usually makes forty to fifty thousand dollars a year. Some experienced reporters can make from seventy-five to ninety thousand dollars with some even making six figured salaries. A lot will depend on your location, and who you are working for. Although this is a good paying job, it takes some particular skills. You must be very accurate and have speed with your recording. Precise listening skills are very important. You must have excellent computer skills and must be able to meet deadlines. If you do this work as a freelancer, you must be willing to work flexible hours.
A court reporter has a very important job. The job opportunities are expected to grow rapidly in the future. If you think you have the dedication needed for this occupation, court reporter salaries can be quite lucrative.
