Cedar Rapids vs Muscatine: Court Reporter Salary (2026)
Compare court reporter salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Muscatine, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Muscatine, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,228▲ | $63,143 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.32▲ | $30.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,992 | $41,249▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,404 | $49,488▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $86,052▲ | $80,823 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,203▲ | $97,872 |
| Total Employed | 22▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for court reporters, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Muscatine.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Muscatine is $4,085 (6.47%). Cedar Rapids's median is -10.11% compared to the US national median of $74,788.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $65,211,Muscatine spans $56,623. Cedar Rapids 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, Cedar Rapids ($74,367 effective) pays 6.47% more than Muscatine ($69,848 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,228/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,203)
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,367)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Muscatine if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, court reporter salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 24.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.9% growth in Muscatine over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$52,137 (2024) → $65,099 (2025)
Muscatine, IA
$48,969 (2024) → $61,144 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Muscatine, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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