How To Become a Stenographer: Salary & Career Paths for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Every courtroom, captioned broadcast, and legislative hearing has one thing in common: a stenographer turning speech into an official record with fast and precise transcription. Across the United States, approximately 27,000 stenographic court reporters serve as the silent backbone of legal and official proceedings. Their ability to capture every spoken word with unparalleled accuracy is crucial in maintaining transparency and accountability. As industries expand and digital communication grows, the need for these highly skilled professionals is increasing.

Stenography offers a stable and rewarding career with plenty of opportunities to grow. If you're considering this career, this guide will show you how to get started. It covers everything from becoming a stenographer to exploring career paths and understanding salary expectations in 2025.

Key Things to Know About Becoming a Stenographer in 2025

The stenographer profession is projected to grow by 5% within a decade. This growth is driven by increasing demand for real-time transcription in legal, medical, and governmental settings.
Stenographers can work in various settings, including courtrooms, medical facilities, and corporate environments. Advancements in technology have expanded opportunities for remote and digital stenography roles.
As of 2025, the average annual salary for a stenographer in the US is approximately $44,635.
The number of stenographers in the US has declined by 21% over the past decade. Despite the decrease in numbers, demand for stenographic services continues to rise.

What does a stenographer do?
Are stenographers still in demand in 2025?
What qualifications do you need to become a stenographer?
What are the essential skills needed to become a stenographer in 2025?
How can complementary legal education enhance your stenography career?
How do you get certified as a stenographer in the US?
What are the professional challenges and ethical considerations in stenography?
How much does a stenographer earn in 2025?
Where do stenographers typically work?
What are the different career paths for stenographers?
Can cross-disciplinary legal studies enhance your stenography career?
What is the future of stenography jobs with AI and automation?
Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a Stenographer in 2025

What does a stenographer do?

A stenographer is a trained professional who records spoken words into written text in real time, often during legal proceedings, official meetings, or live events. They use a special machine called a stenotype, which allows them to press multiple keys at once to represent sounds, words, or phrases instantly.

Stenographers who work in legal settings are often called court reporters. Their main responsibility is to create accurate, word-for-word transcripts of conversations, testimony, or speeches as they happen. These transcripts become official legal records.

Are stenographers still in demand in 2025?

According to the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), there are approximately 27,000 stenographic court reporters currently active in the US. This number is expected to grow, as the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 2% growth in employment for court reporters and captioners within a decade. Around 1,600 job openings are expected each year.

Demand for Live Captioning

Demand for stenographers isn’t limited to courtrooms anymore. With growing awareness of disability rights and the enforcement of laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), there is an increasing need for real-time captioning in schools, universities, public events, and live broadcasts.

Non-profit universities are now hiring Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) providers, many of whom are stenographers, to support students who are deaf or hard of hearing. In the media world, live captioning is also a legal requirement for many TV programs and live streams. These roles demand the same high-speed typing and accuracy skills that stenographers are trained for, opening up more career paths beyond legal settings.

Freelancing and Remote Work Opportunities

In 2025, the rise of remote legal proceedings, virtual classrooms, and online events has opened up new paths for stenographers beyond traditional courtrooms. Many professionals now work as freelancers or independent contractors for services such as real-time captioning (CART), closed captioning for live streams, and transcription for legal depositions.

Platforms like Rev, Verbit, and even legal transcription agencies are offering remote gigs, making stenography a flexible and location-independent career. This shift appeals especially to students and early-career professionals seeking work-from-home opportunities with high earning potential and schedule freedom.\

Do criminal cases and court proceedings interest you? Check out the difference between forensic science vs criminal justice, and explore a career in either field.

What qualifications do you need to become a stenographer?

To become a stenographer, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. They must also complete a certified court reporting or stenography program. These teach machine shorthand, legal terminology, grammar, and real-time transcription skills. While many pursue traditional 2–3 year programs, obtaining a 6-month associate degree online can offer a quicker route and provide a competitive advantage in the job market.

Most employers also require candidates to:

Pass certification exams, such as the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) from the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).
Achieve a minimum typing speed of 225 words per minute with high accuracy.
In some states, obtain licensure or pass a state-level certification exam.

What are the essential skills needed to become a stenographer in 2025?

Fast and Accurate Typing

A stenographer must type at least 225 words per minute with 95–98% accuracy. This skill is especially important for court reporting and live captioning roles.

Proficiency with Stenotype Machines and Software

Knowledge of stenotype keyboards, communication access real-time translation (CART) software, and transcription editing tools is critical. Mastering these tools ensures that stenographers can deliver high-quality, error-free transcripts promptly.

Excellent Listening and Concentration

This ability is particularly crucial in high-pressure or noisy environments, such as courtrooms, live broadcasts, or conferences, where multiple people may speak simultaneously. They must be able to focus intensely on every word spoken, discerning nuances like tone, inflection, and specialized terminology, without being distracted by surrounding noise or stress.

Attention to Detail

Even small errors can change the meaning of legal or official transcripts. Thus, precision is non-negotiable.

Proficiency in Legal and Medical Terminology

Familiarity with industry-specific vocabulary is optional but highly valuable, especially for stenographers working in legal, medical, or other specialized fields. This ensures greater accuracy in transcription and helps stenographers navigate complex terminology. For those aiming to work in the medical field, obtaining medical certifications can significantly enhance proficiency in transcribing complex medical terminology.

Your proficiency in legal terminology and familiarity in legal proceedings may give you an advantage as a homeland security professional. Check out the cheapest online homeland security degree programs here.

How can complementary legal education enhance your stenography career?

By pursuing focused legal studies alongside stenography certification, professionals can gain deeper insights into courtroom procedures, legal research methods, and advanced documentation practices. Complementary education can bridge technical skills with a nuanced understanding of legal contexts, enabling stenographers to take on specialized roles in litigation support and case management. For example, obtaining credentials through affordable online paralegal certificate programs can broaden your expertise and increase your competitiveness in the legal field.

How do you get certified as a stenographer in the US?

Being certified shows that a stenographer is trained and tested to do accurate and professional work. To qualify for certification, candidates must first complete a formal education through an accredited court reporting or stenography program. This can include accredited online degree programs. Programs typically last between two to three years, covering comprehensive training in machine shorthand, real-time transcription, grammar, and legal or technical vocabulary.

After completing their studies, aspiring stenographers are required to pass a national certification exam. The most common is the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) exam, administered by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). Candidates must achieve 95% accuracy or higher on each section to pass.

The RPR exam includes three timed skills tests:

Literary dictation at 180 words per minute
Jury charge at 200 words per minute
Testimony/Q&A at 225 words per minute

What are the professional challenges and ethical considerations in stenography?

Stenographers frequently confront challenges that extend beyond technical proficiency. Maintaining error-free real-time transcription under high-pressure conditions is vital, as even minor inaccuracies can lead to significant legal repercussions. Moreover, strict confidentiality and adherence to regulatory standards require practitioners to exercise rigorous ethical judgment in handling sensitive information. Balancing technological advancements with the necessity for human oversight further complicates the role, as integrating new tools must not compromise the integrity of official records. Professionals are encouraged to explore additional career-related resources, such as CIA jobs requirements, to broaden their understanding of best practices in environments where ethical precision is paramount.

How much does a stenographer earn in 2025?

The average annual salary for a stenographer in the United States is $44,635. However, this figure can vary widely depending on experience, certification level, and geographic location. Entry-level stenographers may start at around $29,210, while those with advanced skills or working in high-demand sectors can earn up to $64,712 annually. Most professionals fall within the middle range, earning between $36,561 and $55,144 per year.

Geographic location plays a significant role in salary potential. For example, New York stands out as the highest-paying state for court reporters and stenographers, offering a median annual salary of $100,650, more than double the national average. In contrast, Utah reports the lowest median salary at $18,700 per year. The disparities exist based on regional demand, funding for public services, and the cost of living.

On a totally unrelated note, do you want to become a mortgage broker? Check out mortgage broker salary here.

Where do stenographers typically work?

Stenographers are in high demand across several industries. The legal system continues to be the largest employer, with states like California reporting a shortage of up to 458 full-time court reporters in 2025. Beyond the courtroom, stenographers are also needed in broadcasting for live captioning, education to help hearing-impaired students, and the corporate sector to transcribe meetings and legal depositions.

Notably, Stenography is a growing field, driven by the need for ADA compliance and the expansion of online education. Professionals in this area often work in colleges, universities, or virtual classrooms, providing real-time captioning and transcription services. In contrast, the information sector provides the lowest pay, averaging $33,370 per year.

What are the different career paths for stenographers?

Stenographers have a variety of career paths depending on their interests, certifications, and experience. Here are some of the most common:

Court Reporter

A court reporter is one of the most traditional roles for stenographers. They transcribe legal proceedings, including trials, depositions, and hearings. Court reporters may work in local, state, or federal courts, often requiring online certifications, such as the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR). The median salary for court reporters is $63,560.

Broadcast Captioner

These professionals provide real-time captions for live TV broadcasts or for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing (Communication Access Realtime Translation – CART). Broadcast captioner roles are best for those with strong typing speed and real-time accuracy. The average salary for broadcast captioners in the US is $48,000.

Medical or Legal Transcriptionist

With added training in medical or legal terminology, stenographers can work in transcription roles where they convert voice recordings into formal reports. They are distinct from traditional transcriptionists as they may use shorthand and faster input methods. Medical records transcriptionists earn an average salary of $42,722, while those specializing in legal transcription make approximately $46,930.

Legislative Stenographer

These stenographers work in government institutions like Congress or state legislatures. They are in charge of recording official government debates, meetings, and committee sessions. Legislative stenographers carry a high prestige factor, particularly at the federal level. It also offers above-average salary potential (average salary of $74,453), largely due to the profession’s strict standards for confidentiality and accuracy.

Realtime Captioner in Education

Stenographers can provide real-time captioning in classroom or lecture hall settings, ensuring accessibility for students with hearing impairments. This field is growing, driven by the need for ADA compliance and the expansion of online education. Professionals in this area often work in colleges or online universities, providing real-time captioning and transcription services. Real-time captioners typically earn around $131,001 a year.

Can cross-disciplinary legal studies enhance your stenography career?

Expanding your expertise through targeted legal studies can provide a competitive edge by deepening your understanding of court procedures and documentation standards. Integrative programs that blend stenography with broader legal knowledge help professionals handle complex cases and specialize in areas such as litigation support or case management. For instance, enrolling in paralegal short courses online can offer practical insights into legal research and procedural protocols that further refine your reporting precision and credibility in legal environments.

What is the future of stenography jobs with AI and automation?

A 2025 report by the Secretariat and the Association of Certified E-Discovery Specialists (ACEDS) reveals that 74% of legal professionals anticipate using AI-driven tools within the next 12 months. This adoption is expected to reshape various aspects of legal work, including court reporting.

Despite these technological advancements, AI will not render human stenographers obsolete. In fact, studies indicate that human transcriptionists achieve an accuracy rate of approximately 99.6%, whereas AI transcription tools typically reach around 93.6% accuracy. This discrepancy becomes more pronounced in complex scenarios involving multiple speakers, heavy accents, or specialized terminology, where human expertise is crucial.

Furthermore, the NCRA has expressed concerns regarding the reliability of AI-generated transcripts. They particularly emphasize the importance of a verifiable chain of custody and the ethical implications related to privacy and security. These considerations underscore the indispensable role of human judgment and oversight in ensuring the integrity of official records.

Speaking of AI, you may want to explore a career as an AI trainer. What does an AI trainer do? Check out our separate article on the topic.

Here’s What Stenographers Have to Say About Their Careers

"The online stenography training was incredibly thorough. Each module broke down machine shorthand into manageable lessons, and the interactive drills helped me build speed and accuracy over time. Now, on the job, I feel confident handling real-time transcription because the training mirrored the pace and pressure of actual court reporting." – Esther

"I chose to study stenography online because I wanted to enter a specialized field with strong earning potential. Now I work in broadcast captioning, and the salary is competitive, much higher than what I made in previous roles. The online program made it easy to upskill without putting my life on hold." – Billie

"Learning shorthand online seemed intimidating at first, but the course broke it down step by step with plenty of practice using real stenotype machines and software like Case CATalyst. It took me about 18 months to feel fully confident, but now that I'm working, everything feels second nature. Translating speech in real time is challenging, but also incredibly rewarding." – Vera

Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a Stenographer in 2025

How long will it take to learn stenography?

The main difference between a stenographer and a transcriptionist lies in how and when they capture spoken words. A stenographer uses a stenotype machine to record speech in real time. Their work is immediate, and they must type very quickly, often over 200 words per minute, to keep up with the speaker.

On the other hand, a transcriptionist listens to audio or video recordings and types them out afterward. They don’t need to work live and usually use a regular keyboard, sometimes with foot pedals and transcription software to control playback. This role allows for more editing time and isn’t as speed-focused.

How much does a stenographer certification cost?

NCRA offers the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) certification, which requires passing both a written and a skills test. Fees for the written test range from $173 for student members to $242 for non-members, while the skills test costs $90 to $144 per leg, depending on membership status. Meanwhile, the National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA) offers the Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR) certification, which includes a $50 processing fee, an exam fee of around $125, and a $225 annual membership.

Do you need to know shorthand to become a stenographer in 2025?

Yes, knowledge of shorthand remains essential for stenographers, particularly those in legal and broadcast settings. While traditional pen-and-paper shorthand methods, such as Gregg or Pitman shorthand, are less commonly used today, they are still taught in some educational programs. However, the majority of stenographers now focus on machine shorthand due to its efficiency and compatibility with modern transcription technologies.

What software or tools should a modern stenographer know?

The primary tool to learn is the stenotype machine, which allows for real-time transcription by pressing multiple keys simultaneously. This is complemented by computer-aided transcription (CAT) software, such as Case CATalyst, Eclipse, or DigitalCAT. For stenographers working in live environments, real-time captioning software like CART is essential for providing immediate captions.

Additionally, speech recognition software such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking can assist with transcription corrections. Tools like Express Scribe can also help manage and edit audio files. Familiarity with cloud storage and document management tools like Google Drive and Dropbox is also crucial for organizing and securing transcripts.

References:

Association of Certified E-Discovery Specialists. (2025, April 11). 2025 Legal AI report: Key insights from ACEDS + Secretariat. https://aceds.org/2025-legal-ai-report-key-insights-from-aceds-secretariat-aceds-blog/
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Court reporters and simultaneous captioners. U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved April 23, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/court-reporters.htm

Dialzara. (2024, December 18). Speech-to-text accuracy vs. human transcription. https://dialzara.com/blog/speech-to-text-accuracy-vs-human-transcription/
National Court Reporters Association. (n.d.-a). NCRA statistics. Retrieved April 23, 2025, from https://www.ncra.org/home/about-ncra/NCRA-Statistics

National Court Reporters Association. (n.d.-b). NCRA statement: What to know before integrating AI. Retrieved April 23, 2025, from https://www.ncra.org/docs/default-source/uploadedfiles/pressrelease/press-releases/2024-press-releases/pr-_sept30_2024_ncra-statement_what-to-know-before-integrating-ai.pdf?sfvrsn=ae18473c_7

National Court Reporters Association. (n.d.-c). Test center. Retrieved April 23, 2025, from https://www.ncra.org/certification/test-center

NVRA. (n.d.). Certifications. National Verbatim Reporters Association. Retrieved April 23, 2025, from https://nvra.org/general/custom.asp?page=Certifications