Court reporters keep track of legal proceedings in different ways. These methods include stenography. A stenotype machine is used that allows the typist to hit keys in combination to represent entire words. Another method of court reporting is an electronic recording. The recorded message is then transcribed into a written record. Another type of court reporting is voice recording. With voice recording, the court reporter speaks directly into a voice silencer that allows them to repeat the proceedings and testimony of those in legal proceedings. This recording is then transcribed into a written record.
Excellent Job Outlook for Court Reporters
The employment outlook for court reporters is excellent. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, court reporters are expected to see an increase in job growth of nearly 18 percent through 2018. In many areas, there are more job openings for qualified court reporters, than there are qualified candidates to fill the jobs. The growth is being spurred by an increase in legal proceedings around the country and also by a need for more real-time legal transcription.
Salary Opportunities for Court Reporters
Court reporters can make strong wages. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the middle 50 percent of court reporters had average salaries from $36,000 to $67,000 annually. Court reporters with the correct training are in high demand and can make the best wages. Some states do require court reporters to be licensed. Vocational training centers and community colleges offer college certification and diploma programs in court reporting. It generally takes about 2 years of experience to become proficient in the different methods of court reporting. Some court reporters also do freelance work on the side to make extra income.
Great College Programs
Colleges and vocational training schools are offering excellent court reporting programs right now. Find out about the growing career field of court reporting today!
If you are interested in earning a degree in Court Reporting, click here to request more information.
Court reporting is a growing career field with an excellent job outlook. Court reporters are responsible to make a written transcript of legal proceedings, meetings, speeches, and other legal events. These written reports of legal events are necessary to act as a report for reference after the fact. It is absolutely necessary for these records to be completely true and accurate. Court reporters can also assist judges and trail attorneys by organizing and looking for information regarding particular legal events. Court reporters may also provide real-time communication services for the deaf or those who have a hard time hearing during legal events.
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