Jersey City vs Lakewood: Court Reporter Salary (2026)
Compare court reporter salaries between Jersey City, NJ and Lakewood, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jersey City, NJ | Lakewood, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,779▲ | $78,998 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.56▲ | $37.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,972▲ | $46,251 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,241▲ | $58,385 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,317▲ | $101,118 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,908▲ | $122,447 |
| Total Employed | 42▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Jersey City, NJ offers better overall compensation for court reporters, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Jersey City and Lakewood is $15,781 (19.98%). Jersey City's median is +26.73% compared to the US national median of $74,788.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jersey City spans $91,936,Lakewood spans $76,196. Jersey City 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, Jersey City ($82,273 effective) pays 19.98% more than Lakewood ($68,575 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jersey City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,779/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,908)
- ✓Larger job market (42 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,273)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, court reporter salaries in Jersey City grew 1.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -10.8% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Jersey City, NJ
$90,519 (2024) → $91,778 (2025)
Lakewood, NJ
$85,725 (2024) → $76,497 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jersey City, NJ
Lakewood, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays court reporters more: Jersey City or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jersey City and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Jersey City to Lakewood as a court reporter?
What do entry-level court reporters earn in Jersey City vs Lakewood?
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