Court Reporter in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Legal and public services
Colorado employs 260 court reporters, with a statewide median of $83,010 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.
What Court reporters Earn in Colorado (May 2025)
- Colorado median pay
- $83,010 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $65,960
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $103,380
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $110,700
- Employed in Colorado
- 260
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $67,310 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for court reporters in major Colorado markets:
- Denver
- $83,000 (190 employed)
- Colorado Springs
- $79,100 (30 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Colorado
Prices in Colorado run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $83,010 median is worth closer to $80,514 once higher local prices are factored in.
Colorado License and Certification Requirements
No state license required; RPR is the working standard — regulated by the No Colorado state license — Colorado Judicial Branch / Court Reporters Board endorses programs.
- Colorado does not license court reporters.
- Complete a court-reporting program (stenographic or voice writing) endorsed by the Colorado Court Reporters Board; build speed toward ~225 wpm.
- Earn the NCRA Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) — required for official court positions and valued by deposition agencies.
Training in Colorado
Colorado courts face a reporter shortage, so official positions and freelance/deposition work are both available. Real-time and CART skills command a premium.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Colorado include:
- Arapahoe Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Colorado Mountain College — Certificate / Associate
- Community College of Aurora — Certificate / Associate
- Community College of Denver — Certificate / 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 Colorado?
The median wage for court reporters in Colorado is $83,010 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $65,960, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $110,700. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Court Reporter in Colorado?
No state license required; RPR is the working standard, overseen by the No Colorado state license — Colorado Judicial Branch / Court Reporters Board endorses programs. Colorado does not license court reporters.
Is being a Court Reporter a good career in Colorado?
Legal record work depends on accuracy, procedure, trust, and real-time human accountability.
Which Colorado metros pay court reporters the most?
Among Colorado metro areas, Denver leads at $83,000, followed by Colorado Springs ($79,100). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Court Reporter in Colorado?
Real Colorado options include Arapahoe Community College, Colorado Mountain College, Community College of Aurora. Most court reporters start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Colorado statewide and metro estimates for SOC 27-3092. Licensing summary compiled from the No Colorado state license — Colorado Judicial Branch / Court Reporters Board endorses programs (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 Colorado wages · Colorado licensing/certification source
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.