Aurora vs Carol Stream: Court Reporter Salary (2026)
Compare court reporter salaries between Aurora, IL and Carol Stream, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, IL | Carol Stream, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,712▲ | $70,409 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.48▲ | $33.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,593▲ | $40,837 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,633 | $54,836▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $91,791▲ | $90,124 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,154▲ | $109,135 |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Aurora, IL offers better overall compensation for court reporters, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carol Stream.
The salary gap between Aurora and Carol Stream is $1,303 (1.85%). Aurora's median is -4.11% compared to the US national median of $74,788.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $69,561,Carol Stream spans $68,298. Aurora has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Aurora ($73,854 effective) pays 1.85% more than Carol Stream ($72,512 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,712/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,154)
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,854)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Carol Stream if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, court reporter salaries in Aurora grew 0.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.6% growth in Carol Stream over the same period.
Aurora, IL
$69,038 (2024) → $69,441 (2025)
Carol Stream, IL
$67,785 (2024) → $68,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, IL
Carol Stream, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays court reporters more: Aurora or Carol Stream?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Carol Stream?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Carol Stream as a court reporter?
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Written by Maria Gomez, RPR
Career Analyst
Maria Gomez has 10 years of experience in court reporting. She specializes in transcription for civil litigation cases. She works in various courtrooms across the state.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.27% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gomez, RPR, a licensed court reporter with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov