Do you want to work as a court stenographer and wonder: How much do court stenographers make? You’re not alone. Many are interested in learning how much a court stenographer earns.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual compensation for stenographers is $64,990. Most court stenographers earned an annual salary ranging from $44,120 to $85,400. In addition, those in the low ten percentile made less than $31,570 yearly. Full-time employees often receive a slew of perks, including health insurance, paid time off, and pension plans.
Keep reading if you’re interested in learning more about the various pay scales for court stenographers.
Who are Court Stenographers?
Those taught to type or write in shorthand are known as stenographers. They are capable of capturing information as rapidly as others can talk. Stenographers can produce a record of everything from legal proceedings to medical consultations.
In fact, the term “stenography” predates even the most advanced stenotype keyboards and machines currently in use. As the word “stenography” suggests, its origins are in Greek. During the era of handwritten transcription, “narrow writing” was used to characterize forms of shorthand. As a result, what exactly does the term “stenographer” refer to? Basically, a scribbler in shorthand.
Stenographers in today’s world utilize special typewriters called stenotypes to transcribe shorthand. Stenographers may now type at speeds of up to 300 words per minute, thanks to these technological wonders. In comparison, the typical speech rate is around 150 words per minute.
The extraordinary speed at which they write enables a good stenographer to keep up with convoluted talks. This is even true in legal settings like proceedings or public events where numerous individuals may be speaking at once.
How Much Do Court Stenographers Make?
In the United States, the typical salary for a court stenographer ranges from $48,622 to $89,822 based on experience, region, expertise, and other factors. According to several sources, the annual income of a court stenographer in the United States can range anywhere from $48,622 to $89,822.
Factors Affecting What Court Stenographers Make
Although there is a significant need for court stenographers, what does this mean for your pay? Many variables come into play when it comes to determining the answer. Here is a more in-depth look at how each factor affects your salary.
By State
New York or California are the best places to live and work if you want to be a stenographer! The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that their yearly salaries were the highest in their respective fields, at $90,500 and $89,370.
The average yearly salary in Washington, D.C. was $80,890, which was much above the national average. Stenographers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts make an annual salary of $79,800. There are stenographers in Alabama that make as little as $41,110 per year on average, putting them among the lowest-paid in the state.
By Experience
The more experience you have, the more you may expect to get paid due to your accomplishments. When it comes to earnings potential, your years of experience as a court stenographer directly correlates to the amount of money you may anticipate making.
By Industry
The wage for a stenographer varies depending on the industry. Regarding college and university administration salaries, the BLS found that stenographers make an annual average of $103,930.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that 35 percent of all stenographers work for the local government and earn an average salary of $68,430. There was a modest discrepancy between the salaries of federal employees and those employed by the private sector.
The average yearly salary for state-employed stenographers was $72,690. The average salary for employees of business support service organizations was $51,510 per year.
Conclusion
Most people who work as stenographers received their education at local community colleges or technical institutions, where they earned associate’s degrees. Depending on the school, it might take anywhere from two to four years to become a certified court stenographer. Afterward, they might pursue certification with the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).
