Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners
Court reporters and simultaneous captioners capture spoken words in real time using stenographic equipment or computerized systems. They work in courtrooms, legal proceedings, broadcast studios, and other venues where accurate transcription is needed. Their work creates official records of depositions, trials, and live events for hearing-impaired viewers.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against court reporters and simultaneous captioners and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A court reporter might spend mornings transcribing testimony from a trial using a stenotype machine, then afternoons editing and organizing the day's proceedings into searchable transcripts. A simultaneous captioner monitors live broadcasts or events, typing captions in real time while managing software systems. Both roles require intense focus, quick decision-making, and frequent coordination with lawyers, judges, producers, or technical staff.
Who this work suits
Holland code CAS. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You'd do well in this work if you're detail-oriented and comfortable with strict rules and procedures—the Conventional interest. A creative side helps captioners and reporters adapt language for clarity while maintaining accuracy, which draws on Artistic interests. Strong typing skills, focus, and the ability to work under pressure are essential.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Court Reporter · U.S. Courts · Omaha, Nebraska · $96408–$115690
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $86,560 | $116,020 | $133,900 | 1,400 |
| Texas | $77,910 | $110,080 | $130,560 | 1,270 |
| Washington | $85,060 | $107,670 | $113,200 | 80 |
| New York | $68,940 | $101,990 | $133,110 | 1,400 |
| Iowa | $70,780 | $93,810 | $93,810 | 160 |
| Rhode Island | $67,390 | $92,250 | $97,010 | 60 |
| Minnesota | $69,180 | $83,680 | $88,400 | 320 |
| Colorado | $72,690 | $83,010 | $103,380 | 260 |
| Massachusetts | $46,120 | $79,940 | $90,640 | 50 |
| Arizona | $70,190 | $77,770 | $79,310 | 70 |
| Nebraska | $65,880 | $76,480 | $83,140 | 60 |
| Illinois | $31,200 | $75,890 | $95,990 | 770 |
All 38 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR) — National Court Reporters Association
- Certified Reporting Instructor (CRI) — National Court Reporters Association
- Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) — National Court Reporters Association
- Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR) — National Verbatim Reporters Association
- Registered Diplomate Reporter (RDR) — National Court Reporters Association
- Registered Merit Reporter (RMR) — National Court Reporters Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against court reporters and simultaneous captioners and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-3092.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.