Court Reporter in Mississippi: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Legal and public services
Mississippi employs 40 court reporters, with a statewide median of $67,300 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Mississippi licensing picture, and where to train.
What Court reporters Earn in Mississippi (May 2025)
- Mississippi median pay
- $67,300 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $47,720
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $70,870
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $75,000
- Employed in Mississippi
- 40
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $67,310 (May 2024)
What That Pay Is Worth in Mississippi
Prices in Mississippi run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $67,300 median stretches to roughly $77,356 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Mississippi (2024–2034)
Mississippi is projected to grow court reporters employment +4.5%, faster than the +0.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 10 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Mississippi License and Certification Requirements
Certified Court Reporter (CSR) — regulated by the Mississippi Court Reporters Board (Supreme Court).
- Complete a court-reporting program and build speed toward ~225 wpm.
- Pass the Mississippi CSR examination (the NCRA RPR is also widely held).
- Obtain your Mississippi Certified Shorthand Reporter credential.
Official requirements: Mississippi Court Reporters Board (Supreme Court) →
Training in Mississippi
Mississippi 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 Mississippi include:
- Coahoma Community College — Associate
- Copiah-Lincoln Community College — Associate
- East Mississippi Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Hinds Community College — 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 Mississippi?
The median wage for court reporters in Mississippi is $67,300 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,720, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $75,000. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Court Reporter in Mississippi?
Certified Court Reporter (CSR), overseen by the Mississippi Court Reporters Board (Supreme Court). Complete a court-reporting program and build speed toward ~225 wpm.
Is being a Court Reporter a good career in Mississippi?
Legal record work depends on accuracy, procedure, trust, and real-time human accountability.
Where can I train to become a Court Reporter in Mississippi?
Real Mississippi options include Coahoma Community College, Copiah-Lincoln Community College, East Mississippi Community 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 Mississippi?
Mississippi projects court reporters employment to change +4.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 10 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), Mississippi statewide and metro estimates for SOC 27-3092. Licensing summary compiled from the Mississippi Court Reporters Board (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 Mississippi wages · Mississippi 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.