Court reporter
Also known as: shorthand reporter, stenographer, court stenographer, courtroom reporter, official court reporter, deposition reporter
About this occupation
Court reporters type in word processors or any other software each one of the words mentioned in the courtroom. They transcript the hearings that take place in court in order to issue the official hearings of the legal case. They allow that the case can be further studied by the parties in an accurate fashion.
A specialisation of administrative assistant.
Essential skills and knowledge
- spelling
- court procedures
- record court procedures
- digitise documents
- stenography
- transcription methods
- use shorthand computer program
- use stenotype machines
- use shorthand
- legal terminology
- provide written content
- apply grammar and spelling rules
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners (O*NET 27-3092.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Provide transcripts of proceedings upon request of judges, lawyers, or the public.
- Record symbols on computer storage media and use computer aided transcription to translate and display them as text.
- Record verbatim proceedings of courts, legislative assemblies, committee meetings, and other proceedings, using computerized recording equipment, electronic stenograph machines, or stenomasks.
- Record depositions and other proceedings for attorneys.
- Ask speakers to clarify inaudible statements.
- Proofread transcripts for correct spelling of words.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Artistic, Social
Top skills: Active Listening, Writing, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Monitoring, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$72,420 a year (2025), 12,870 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageExtremely important (4.9)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.4)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentVery important (4.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants
- Word Processors and Typists
- File Clerks
- Correspondence Clerks
- Medical Transcriptionists
- Office Clerks, General
- Data Entry Keyers
- Medical Records Specialists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.