Court reporters and simultaneous captioners create official records of legal proceedings and live events by documenting spoken words in real time. You can enter this field with a certificate and without a four-year degree. Here is what the work involves, what skills matter most, and how to get in.
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Court reporters and captioners listen carefully to spoken information and record it accurately using specialized equipment and shorthand methods. In courtrooms, depositions, and hearings, you create the official record that lawyers and judges rely on. Simultaneous captioners provide real-time captions for live events, broadcasts, and meetings, making content accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The work demands active listening, quick processing, and the ability to stay focused for long periods. You work with computers and specialized software, update your knowledge of legal terminology and procedures, and communicate with judges, attorneys, and other court staff to ensure accuracy.
Core work activities
Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners earn a median of $72,420 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 0 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 1,700 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most court reporters and captioners complete a certificate program that teaches stenography, court procedures, and the technology used in the field. These programs typically focus on the specific skills you need to work in courtrooms or as a captioner. The preparation level is medium, meaning you will need some foundational knowledge and hands-on practice before you are ready to work. After completing your certificate, you may pursue additional credentials or licensing depending on your state and the specific role you want. Start by researching certificate programs in your area and talking with a counselor about the timeline and costs involved.
Most people enter this field through a certificate program, which is faster and more affordable than a four-year degree. If you are deciding between different programs or want to map out your next steps, Pathly can map the court reporter and simultaneous captioner path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to find the path that fits your situation.
You do not need a license to work as a court reporter and simultaneous captioner, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable with rules and systems. You listen well, write clearly, and enjoy working with technology and information. You prefer structured environments and clear expectations.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).