Court Reporter in Illinois: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Legal and public services
Illinois employs 770 court reporters, with a statewide median of $75,890 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Illinois licensing picture, and where to train.
What Court reporters Earn in Illinois (May 2025)
- Illinois median pay
- $75,890 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $31,200
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $95,990
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $122,390
- Employed in Illinois
- 770
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $67,310 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for court reporters in major Illinois markets:
- Chicago metro
- $76,790 (510 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Illinois
Prices in Illinois run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 100.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $75,890 median holds roughly its face value.
Job Outlook in Illinois (2024–2034)
Illinois is projected to grow court reporters employment +3.4%, faster than the +0.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 80 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Illinois License and Certification Requirements
Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) — a true state license — regulated by the IDFPR — Certified Shorthand Reporters Board.
- Illinois actually licenses court reporters (unlike most neighbors): the CSR requires passing a board-recognized exam — the state's own, or NCRA equivalents (RPR/RMR holders skip the skills test).
- Dictation standard: 200 wpm general and 225 wpm two-voice testimony at 95% accuracy.
- Renew biennially with 10 CE hours (full-time court reporters can request a waiver).
Official requirements: IDFPR — Certified Shorthand Reporters Board →
Training in Illinois
Illinois courts and the Chicago deposition market are chronically short of reporters — counties advertise vacancies for months. The licensing requirement keeps supply tight, which protects rates for those who qualify.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Illinois include:
- Black Hawk College — Associate
- Carl Sandburg College — Certificate
- City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College — Associate
- City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College — 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 Illinois?
The median wage for court reporters in Illinois is $75,890 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $31,200, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $122,390. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Court Reporter in Illinois?
Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) — a true state license, overseen by the IDFPR — Certified Shorthand Reporters Board. Illinois actually licenses court reporters (unlike most neighbors): the CSR requires passing a board-recognized exam — the state's own, or NCRA equivalents (RPR/RMR holders skip the skills test).
Is being a Court Reporter a good career in Illinois?
Legal record work depends on accuracy, procedure, trust, and real-time human accountability.
Which Illinois metros pay court reporters the most?
Among Illinois metro areas, Chicago metro leads at $76,790. 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 Illinois?
Real Illinois options include Black Hawk College, Carl Sandburg College, City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College. Most court reporters start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Court Reporter a growing career in Illinois?
Illinois projects court reporters employment to change +3.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 80 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Illinois statewide and metro estimates for SOC 27-3092. Licensing summary compiled from the IDFPR — Certified Shorthand Reporters Board (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 Illinois wages · Illinois 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.