This profession has an appeal that is ageless and timeless; an impatient student eager to join the workforce as soon as possible and a working mom with kids in school can both discover the same advantages to pursuing this exciting occupation that has been and continues to be one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. While technology eliminates some kinds of jobs, it only enhances stenography because recording history has always been and will always be necessary. If you are Naples court reporter or a Fort Myers court reporter, this job can provide you the best benefits among all jobs and professions.

1. It’s interesting.

Every day that you work as a court reporter, you learn something new, gain some information or insight into another reality that you didn’t have yesterday. Court reporting is rarely dull for people who enjoy learning and living life to its fullest! You’ll have opportunities for many assignments, and every assignment is different. Every new assignment introduces you to new people, new stories, and possibly even new workplaces.

2. Good income and job security.

In 2014, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the top ten percent of court stenographers earned $94,140 annually with average annual wages of $55,000. And if you want to live and work in New York City or Los Angeles, you’ll be among the highest paid court stenographers in the country! The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) predicted a shortage of court reporters by 2018. This industry outlook is based on retirement (70% of the court stenographers in 2014 were age 46 or older) and new requirements mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that broadcasting networks must make closed captioning available to everyone.

3. It’s a one-of-a-kind career.

Many careers require basic technological skills or typing accuracy. Your skills as a court reporter are not those that “everyone” can have. Court reporting utilizes a skill that is rare and in great demand worldwide. In fact, many students are frightened by the challenge of learning the technology and the different communication “language” court reporters master. Maybe your Associate Degree in Stenotype Court Reporting should also be awarded a badge of bravery!

4. Flexible learning.

Online, distance learning is a top choice for continuing education. Some schools will offer traditional learning and online learning, both with strong support and accessibility from faculty members. It’s important that your school be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and is a member of the NCRA.

5. Flexible work times.

Court reporters have a wealth of interesting jobs from which to choose, and can also work the days and times they need; when they are able to increase their hours or need to readjust their workdays, court reporters have that luxury. Court reporters can work 9-5 or part-time and can change their schedule weekly to accommodate other commitments.

6. You can work anywhere in the world.

In the U.S., New York City is among the cities demanding more court and hearing reporters, but you can take your skills to any area of the country. If you’re interested in an overseas assignment, our government and many corporations have offices and facilities in other countries, where the need for accurate, historical record and data-keeping is often critical.

7. Higher growth rate.

The shortfall of trained court reporters that was predicted in 2014 means that, already, court reporters are in demand! “Reporters will increasingly be needed for captioning outside of legal proceedings,” says the BLS. “All new television programming will continue to need closed captioning. Broadcasters are adding closed captioning to their online programming in order to comply with new federal regulations.”