Also called: Stenographer, Stenocaptioner
Types every word spoken in court or depositions at 225+ words per minute on a special stenotype machine.
Court reporters sit next to the witness stand and capture testimony in real time using a shorthand keyboard. Later they turn it into an official transcript. Many freelance at depositions and earn extra by selling transcripts. There's a national shortage.
Freelancers who sell transcripts can earn well above the median.
Certificate, about 2 years after high school. Court reporting program (1-3 years) and state license or certification.
Ways in: Trade school, 2-year college, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Court Reporting (trade program), Captioning.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years). BLS 2024-34 (court reporters and simultaneous captioners).
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Courts are shifting to digital recording and speech-to-text AI; certified reporters remain for key trials, but openings likely shrink.
Classes: Keyboarding, AP English Language, A world language, Speech or media class.
Official data: O*NET occupation 27-3092.
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