Dallas vs Port Arthur: Court Reporter Salary (2026)
Compare court reporter salaries between Dallas, TX and Port Arthur, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Port Arthur, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,089▲ | $114,331 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.54▲ | $54.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,198 | $66,548▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,530 | $84,043▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $149,989▲ | $146,344 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,685 | $177,213▲ |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for court reporters, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Port Arthur.
The salary gap between Dallas and Port Arthur is $15,758 (13.78%). Dallas's median is +73.94% compared to the US national median of $74,788.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $97,487,Port Arthur spans $110,665. Port Arthur 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, Dallas ($126,190 effective) pays 5.96% more than Port Arthur ($119,095 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,089/year)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,190)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Port Arthur if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,213)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, court reporter salaries in Dallas grew 33.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 67.5% growth in Port Arthur over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$94,190 (2019) → $125,970 (2025)
Port Arthur, TX
$66,108 (2024) → $110,711 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Port Arthur, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays court reporters more: Dallas or Port Arthur?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Port Arthur?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Port Arthur as a court reporter?
What do entry-level court reporters earn in Dallas vs Port Arthur?
Related Comparisons
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