The job of court reporters is to record and reproduce everything that happens during a legal proceeding. There were 13,880 court reporters and simultaneous captioners working in the country in 2020, as per the latest figures published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Should I Become a Court Reporter in Austin?
If you want to become a part of court proceedings as a court reporter in Austin, then read the following guide for more details.
| Education Required | Postsecondary education |
| Major Requirement | Court Reporting |
| License/Certification | Required |
| Experience/Training | Practical Training is needed |
| Key Skills | Great Typing Speed, Good Observational Ability, Patience, etc. |
| Annual Mean Salary (2020) – National | $66,710 |
| Annual Mean Salary (2020) – Texas | $82,870 |
| Job Outlook (2020-2030) – National Job Outlook (2018-2028) – Texas | 3% NA |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Outlook
The job prospects for court reporters and simultaneous captioners are quite positive. According to the latest published figures by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, these professionals are forecasted to enjoy a growth of 3% over the next decade (2020-2030) across the US.
Steps to Become a Court Reporter in Austin
To work as a court reporter in Texas, you will have to complete the following steps:
There are no mandatory requirements to do so, but it is better if you enroll in an accredited court reporting program. Many employers prefer candidates with these credentials. Local community colleges or technical institutions offers court reporting programs. These programs will lead to a certificate or an associate’s degree, depending on the type of program you choose.
The next step is to get certified. This is a mandatory requirement especially if you want to work in a legal setting. Professional bodies like the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) offer these certifications. You will need to pass a written and a skills test to get your certification.
You will have to get practical training. During this part of the process, you will learn how to use different typing and court reporting equipment. On top of that, you will also become familiar with different legal terms that are used during court proceedings.
Every US state makes it mandatory for court reporters to get continuing education credits. Every state has different continuing education requirements and you will have to get them in order to maintain your license.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Court Reporter in Austin?
If you go for a certificate or an associate’s degree, it will take you anywhere between 2-3 years to become a court reporter. However, if you decide to go for a bachelor’s degree, the time duration will increase to 4-5 years.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Court Reporter in Austin?
- Have a high school diploma or a GED.
- Have postsecondary education.
- Obtain certification.
- Practical training.
- State certification if needed.
- Get practical training.
- Continuing education.
- Clear a background check.
How Much Does a Court Reporter Earn in Austin?
According to the latest figures published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, court reporters and simultaneous captioners in Texas earned a mean annual income of $82,870 in 2020. Texas was the fourth-highest paying state and the state with the second-highest employment level in the US in 2020.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
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