Columbia vs North Charleston: Court Reporter Salary (2026)
Compare court reporter salaries between Columbia, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,354 | $70,589▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.98 | $33.93▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,101▲ | $40,941 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,262 | $53,908▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,170 | $90,354▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,795 | $109,414▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 22 |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for court reporters, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and North Charleston is $8,235 (13.21%). North Charleston's median is -5.61% compared to the US national median of $74,788.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $31,694,North Charleston spans $68,473. North Charleston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced court reporters.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, North Charleston ($77,146 effective) pays 15.88% more than Columbia ($66,573 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,589/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,414)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,146)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, court reporter salaries in Columbia grew 23.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 39.3% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$48,980 (2021) → $60,380 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$49,080 (2024) → $68,354 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
North Charleston, SC
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