Bristol vs Providence: Court Reporter Salary (2026)
Compare court reporter salaries between Bristol, RI and Providence, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, RI | Providence, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,152 | $95,267▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.20 | $45.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,140 | $63,687▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,551 | $69,594▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $91,075 | $104,798▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,285 | $111,914▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Providence, RI offers better overall compensation for court reporters, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.
The salary gap between Bristol and Providence is $24,115 (33.89%). Providence's median is +27.38% compared to the US national median of $74,788.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $68,145,Providence spans $48,227. Bristol 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, Providence ($93,607 effective) pays 32.22% more than Bristol ($70,798 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Providence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,267/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,914)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,607)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, court reporter salaries in Bristol grew 16.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.0% growth in Providence over the same period.
Bristol, RI
$58,986 (2024) → $68,899 (2025)
Providence, RI
$76,240 (2019) → $92,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, RI
Providence, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays court reporters more: Bristol or Providence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Providence?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Providence as a court reporter?
What do entry-level court reporters earn in Bristol vs Providence?
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