Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 12,630 court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and they earn a median of $67,310/year. The range runs from $39K to $127K. New York pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level court reporters and simultaneous captioners start around $39K. The gap between that and the median ($67K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $127K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $109K | 1,240 |
| Texas | $106K | 970 |
| California | $104K | 1,590 |
| Washington | $103K | 80 |
| Iowa | $89K | 190 |
| Utah | $85K | N/A |
| Massachusetts | $82K | 50 |
| Illinois | $76K | 590 |
| Delaware | $76K | 40 |
| Nebraska | $73K | 70 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a court reporters and simultaneous captioners make?▼
The median court reporters and simultaneous captioners salary in the United States is $67,310 per year ($32/hour). Entry-level positions start around $39,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,020.
What education do you need to become a court reporters and simultaneous captioners?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for court reporters and simultaneous captioners?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for court reporters and simultaneous captioners.
What are the highest paying states for court reporters and simultaneous captioners?▼
The highest paying states for court reporters and simultaneous captioners are New York ($109,220), Texas ($105,550), California ($103,640), Washington ($102,620), Iowa ($89,290). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.