Court Reporter in Arkansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Legal and public services
Arkansas employs 130 court reporters, with a statewide median of $59,180 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Arkansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Court reporters Earn in Arkansas (May 2025)
- Arkansas median pay
- $59,180 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $53,200
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $71,130
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $80,090
- Employed in Arkansas
- 130
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $67,310 (May 2024)
What That Pay Is Worth in Arkansas
Prices in Arkansas run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 86.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $59,180 median stretches to roughly $68,101 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Arkansas (2024–2034)
Arkansas is projected to shrink court reporters employment -2.6%, slower than the +0.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 20 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Arkansas License and Certification Requirements
Certified Court Reporter (CCR) — regulated by the Arkansas Board of Certified Court Reporter Examiners (Supreme Court).
- Complete a court-reporting program and build speed toward ~225 wpm.
- Pass the Arkansas CCR examination (the NCRA RPR is also widely held).
- Obtain your Arkansas Certified Court Reporter credential.
Official requirements: Arkansas Board of Certified Court Reporter Examiners (Supreme Court) →
Training in Arkansas
Arkansas certifies court reporters by exam. Reporter shortages mean steady official and freelance work; real-time skills command a premium.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Arkansas include:
- National Park College — Certificate
- NorthWest Arkansas Community College — Associate
- University of Arkansas Grantham — Associate
- University of Arkansas-Fort Smith — Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Fast, focused typists who like language, precision, and legal environments.
Think twice if: Long training drills, certification exams, or intense accuracy pressure sound draining.
Why it's resilient: Legal record work depends on accuracy, procedure, trust, and real-time human accountability.
First Steps
Try a stenography intro course before committing to a full program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do court reporters make in Arkansas?
The median wage for court reporters in Arkansas is $59,180 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $53,200, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $80,090. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Court Reporter in Arkansas?
Certified Court Reporter (CCR), overseen by the Arkansas Board of Certified Court Reporter Examiners (Supreme Court). Complete a court-reporting program and build speed toward ~225 wpm.
Is being a Court Reporter a good career in Arkansas?
Legal record work depends on accuracy, procedure, trust, and real-time human accountability.
Where can I train to become a Court Reporter in Arkansas?
Real Arkansas options include National Park College, NorthWest Arkansas Community College, University of Arkansas Grantham. Most court reporters start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Court Reporter a growing career in Arkansas?
Arkansas projects court reporters employment to change -2.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 20 openings a year — a declining field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Arkansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 27-3092. Licensing summary compiled from the Arkansas Board of Certified Court Reporter Examiners (Supreme Court) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Arkansas wages · Arkansas licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.