Houston vs Wichita Falls: Court Reporter Salary (2026)
Compare court reporter salaries between Houston, TX and Wichita Falls, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Wichita Falls, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,611▲ | $132,296 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.23▲ | $63.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,267 | $76,732▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,174 | $100,076▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $141,903 | $169,339▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,903 | $205,059▲ |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 20 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for court reporters, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita Falls.
The salary gap between Houston and Wichita Falls is $1,315 (0.99%). Houston's median is +78.65% compared to the US national median of $74,788.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $82,636,Wichita Falls spans $128,327. Wichita Falls 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, Wichita Falls ($137,808 effective) pays 1.73% more than Houston ($135,468 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,611/year)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita Falls if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($205,059)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,808)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, court reporter salaries in Houston grew 119.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 91.4% growth in Wichita Falls over the same period.
Houston, TX
$58,870 (2019) → $129,380 (2025)
Wichita Falls, TX
$66,938 (2024) → $128,107 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Wichita Falls, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays court reporters more: Houston or Wichita Falls?
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Should I relocate from Houston to Wichita Falls as a court reporter?
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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