How to Become a Court Reporter
Overview & Salaries
Recommended Degree:
The right degree for you to become a court reporter depends on the position you apply for and the state. Most institutions require you to get a degree in court reporting and/or compete a competency exam so that they can earn their license in courtroom reporting. Degrees are usually offered at 2 year colleges or technical colleges. To learn more click on the education required tab up top.
You can launch your career path today by signing up for free information from one of our accredited colleges below that offer programs to help get you started as a courtroom reporter.
How Much Does a Court Reporter Make?
$48,160 (national median salary, to see salaries in your state click on the “Best Places to Work” tab up top)
Expected Growth from 2012-2020:
+2,000 additional people employed
(all information above provided by the 2012 BLS Court Reporter page)
The Best Places to Become a Courtroom Reporter
The extensive court system in the United States operates on the local, state and federal levels providing many opportunities in every state and many cities for courtroom employees.
Employment and Information Data for Courtroom Reporting
Why Become a Courtroom Reporter?
It’s not always all about the lawyers and judges. There are a number of careers inside the courtroom that they don’t necessarily show you in the movies. And these jobs are the backbone of the American legal system, each playing a critical role in producing complete and accurate legal records for all of the courts proceedings. Job growth inside America’s extensive court system is expected to increase 14% from now until 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics.
Recommended Courses to Help You Become a Courtroom Reporter
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Courts and Criminal Procedures
- Fundamentals of Criminal Law
- Community Resources in Corrections
- Correctional Systems and Practices
- Criminal Investigation
- Police Systems and Practices
- Criminal Law
- Correctional Counseling
- Juvenile Justice System
- Correctional Law
- Correctional Career
Degree Options for Courtroom Reporting Careers
As the courtroom continues to move into the digital age, court reporters and clerks must be trained and skilled in a myriad of computer processes and systems. This training generally happens in specialized schools of community college programs that offer an associate’s degree in court related systems.
Courtroom Reporter
Many court reporting positions require at least an associate’s degree focusing on courtroom technology, necessary procedure and legal terminology.
Paralegal Studies Program
This program provides students with academic legal training as well as technical skills needed to function as a paralegal. Students completed these programs work in numerous environments including; corporate, government agencies, and nonprofits. Some use it as a stepping stone for further law school study.
Juris Doctorate (J.D.)
In most states, the requirements to practice law include receiving a four-year college degree, and three-year Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved law school. Once those are completed, students sit for the Bar Exam.
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