Columbia vs Tega Cay: Court Reporter Salary (2026)
Compare court reporter salaries between Columbia, SC and Tega Cay, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Tega Cay, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,354 | $63,134▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.98 | $30.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,101▲ | $39,945 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,262▲ | $48,536 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,170 | $80,812▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,795 | $97,858▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Tega Cay, SC offers better overall compensation for court reporters, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Tega Cay is $780 (1.25%). Tega Cay's median is -15.58% 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,Tega Cay spans $57,913. Tega Cay 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, Tega Cay ($68,999 effective) pays 3.64% 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 Tega Cay if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,134/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,858)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,999)
- ✓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 Tega Cay over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$48,980 (2021) → $60,380 (2025)
Tega Cay, SC
$43,897 (2024) → $61,135 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Tega Cay, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays court reporters more: Columbia or Tega Cay?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Tega Cay?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Tega Cay as a court reporter?
What do entry-level court reporters earn in Columbia vs Tega Cay?
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