How To Make $200k+ With This In-Demand, No College Degree Job

Are you exceptional at typing and love to be in the middle of other people’s business? Well, there’s a job for you, and a high paying job at that!

That job is court reporting.

The Association for Court Reporters and Captioners is reporting that there is a national shortage of at least 5,000 reporters. That is attributed to plummeting interest in the profession over the last few decades.

Court reporters transcribe court proceedings but you can also work outside of the court room if you have the skills. You can work as a stenographer, real-time captioner as well as transcribing business meetings and depositions.

The range of income for court reporters varies between $200 for half-day work to over $100,000 a year.

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How To Become A Court Reporter

Most states require you to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent and then complete a court reporting program accredited by the National Court Reporters Association to enter the field of court reporting. According to Indeed, it typically takes between 18 and 24 months to complete a court reporting certificate or degree. Understanding legal terminology, criminal studies, transaction preparation are some of the classes under the certificate.

Court reporting certificate or degree programs can cost between $20,000-$60,000 including tuition, equipment and fees.

You must pass a state-approved exam and demonstrate your ability to type at least 225 words per minute as two voices speak to be certified nationally.

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How Much Does A Court Reporter Make?

Your earning potential as a court reporter depends on your location, how often you work, and who you work for. If you work for the courts, it is likely that your job will be full time and you will be a government employee. However, you can still land a part time job at the courts depending on their needs.

If you work full time and have some years of experience, it is expected that you will earn six figures in this field. On top of the base salary, court reporters are also compensated on per-page basis for transcripts they produce during court proceedings. This additional income can really bring up the amount of money you bring home.

According to Irene Nakamaura, the founder of IDepo Reporters, a California-based court reporting firm, experienced court reporters the firm works with in the East Coast bring home as much as $200,000 a year. And if the court reporter works in large markets with a shortage of reporters, they can bring in over $500,000!

With some court proceedings now taking place online, you can even land a remote job in this field.