Court Reporter in New Jersey: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Legal and public services
New Jersey employs 200 court reporters, with a statewide median of n/a and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Jersey licensing picture, and where to train.
What Court reporters Earn in New Jersey (May 2025)
- New Jersey median pay
- n/a (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- n/a
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- n/a
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- n/a
- Employed in New Jersey
- 200
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $67,310 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for court reporters in major New Jersey markets:
- New York–Newark
- $90,230 (1,060 employed)
- Philadelphia
- $74,760 (240 employed)
- Allentown–Bethlehem
- $64,230 (50 employed)
Job Outlook in New Jersey (2024–2034)
New Jersey is projected to grow court reporters employment +3.0%, 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.
New Jersey License and Certification Requirements
Certified Court Reporter (CCR) — required to work in New Jersey courts — regulated by the New Jersey State Board of Court Reporting (Division of Consumer Affairs).
- Complete a post-secondary court reporting program and build to 225 wpm with 95% accuracy (typically 2–3 years; NJ Board must approve the program).
- Pass the NCRA's Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) exam — the NJ Board adopted the RPR as its qualifying examination in 2006 (95% accuracy required).
- Submit a completed application to the NJ Board of Court Reporting and maintain a place of business in New Jersey. Renew biennially with 15 CE credits (at least 10 in core court reporting areas).
Official requirements: New Jersey State Board of Court Reporting (Division of Consumer Affairs) →
Training in New Jersey
New Jersey's active legal market in Newark, Trenton, and the courts supporting NYC-area litigation creates strong demand for certified reporters. Freelance deposition work for pharmaceutical, financial, and legal firms headquartered in NJ pays very well for experienced reporters. The NJ CCR is required — New Jersey will not let uncertified reporters work in court proceedings.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New Jersey include:
- Atlantic Cape Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Bergen Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Brookdale Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Camden County 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 New Jersey?
The median wage for court reporters in New Jersey is n/a per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around n/a, and top earners (90th percentile) make about n/a. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Court Reporter in New Jersey?
Certified Court Reporter (CCR) — required to work in New Jersey courts, overseen by the New Jersey State Board of Court Reporting (Division of Consumer Affairs). Complete a post-secondary court reporting program and build to 225 wpm with 95% accuracy (typically 2–3 years; NJ Board must approve the program).
Is being a Court Reporter a good career in New Jersey?
Legal record work depends on accuracy, procedure, trust, and real-time human accountability.
Which New Jersey metros pay court reporters the most?
Among New Jersey metro areas, New York–Newark leads at $90,230, followed by Philadelphia ($74,760), Allentown–Bethlehem ($64,230). 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 New Jersey?
Real New Jersey options include Atlantic Cape Community College, Bergen Community College, Brookdale 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 New Jersey?
New Jersey projects court reporters employment to change +3.0% 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), New Jersey statewide and metro estimates for SOC 27-3092. Licensing summary compiled from the New Jersey State Board of Court Reporting (Division of Consumer Affairs) (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 New Jersey wages · New Jersey licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034).
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.