How to become court reporters and simultaneous captionerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Writing & Media Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$72,420

25th–75th pct. $53,760–$100,780

Top pay (est.)

$169,700

Top 10% $130,560

Pay in 5 years

$79,800est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$87,900est.

$75,600–$102,000

Outlook score

41/100

★★☆☆☆ Below average

AI replacement risk

78%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

−0.1%

1,800 openings / yr

How to become court reporters and simultaneous captioners

Typical education

Postsecondary nondegree award

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners

Key skills

Active Listening

4.1

Reading Comprehension

3.9

Writing

3.5

Monitoring

3.0

Critical Thinking

2.9

Speaking

2.9

Time Management

2.8

Social Perceptiveness

2.4

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

English Language

6.2

Administrative

5.8

Computers and Electronics

5.2

Customer and Personal Service

4.0

Law and Government

4.0

Telecommunications

3.0

Communications and Media

2.3

Administration and Management

2.2

What the work involves

Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDocumenting/Recording InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkGetting InformationWorking with ComputersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsProcessing InformationPerforming Administrative Activities

Important abilities

Speech RecognitionNear VisionOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionWritten Comprehension

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

35%

None / short demo

30%

6–12 months

13%

1–3 months

3–6 months

1–2 years

Related work experience

None

39%

6–12 months

22%

3–6 months

17%

1–2 years

Up to 1 month

2–4 years

4–6 years

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as court reporters and simultaneous captioners

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Editors Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material.	$77,920	42/100	68%
2	Interpreters and Translators Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.	$60,170	52/100	57%
3	Writers and Authors Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.	$76,910	48/100	77%
4	Technical Writers Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions.	$90,390	40/100	75%
5	News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television.	$62,200	35/100	66%
6	Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media.	$47,340	33/100	64%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.