Court Reporter in Washington: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Legal and public services
Washington employs 80 court reporters, with a statewide median of $107,670 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Washington licensing picture, and where to train.
What Court reporters Earn in Washington (May 2025)
- Washington median pay
- $107,670 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $82,220
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $113,200
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $113,880
- Employed in Washington
- 80
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $67,310 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for court reporters in major Washington markets:
- Seattle–Tacoma
- $113,200 (40 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Washington
Prices in Washington run about 7% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $107,670 median is worth closer to $100,626 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Washington (2024–2034)
Washington is projected to grow court reporters employment +9.0%, faster than the +0.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 20 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Washington License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Court Reporter (CCR) — regulated by the Washington State Department of Licensing — Court Reporter Program.
- Complete a court reporter training program covering stenography (machine shorthand at 225+ wpm) or voice writing, transcript production, and legal terminology. Programs typically take 2–4 years.
- Pass the Washington State court reporter licensing exam, including a skills test (220 wpm literary, 200 wpm jury charge, 180 wpm testimony) and a written knowledge test.
- Apply to the WA Department of Licensing for your CCR license. Renew every two years with continuing education.
Official requirements: Washington State Department of Licensing — Court Reporter Program →
Training in Washington
Court reporting is in high demand in the Seattle metro (King County Superior Court, U.S. District Court for Western WA, and the large private bar) as well as in Spokane. Freelance deposition reporting is the primary growth sector; NCRA (National Court Reporters Association) resources and online programs support training.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Washington include:
- Bates Technical College — Associate
- Bellingham Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Clark College — Certificate / Associate
- Edmonds 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 Washington?
The median wage for court reporters in Washington is $107,670 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $82,220, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $113,880. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Court Reporter in Washington?
Licensed Court Reporter (CCR), overseen by the Washington State Department of Licensing — Court Reporter Program. Complete a court reporter training program covering stenography (machine shorthand at 225+ wpm) or voice writing, transcript production, and legal terminology. Programs typically take 2–4 years.
Is being a Court Reporter a good career in Washington?
Legal record work depends on accuracy, procedure, trust, and real-time human accountability.
Which Washington metros pay court reporters the most?
Among Washington metro areas, Seattle–Tacoma leads at $113,200. 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 Washington?
Real Washington options include Bates Technical College, Bellingham Technical College, Clark 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 Washington?
Washington projects court reporters employment to change +9.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 20 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), Washington statewide and metro estimates for SOC 27-3092. Licensing summary compiled from the Washington State Department of Licensing — Court Reporter Program (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 Washington wages · Washington 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.