Entry-Level Court Reporter Salary in South Burlington, VT: $33,875 (2026)
Quick Answer:New court reporters entering the South Burlington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,875 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 27-3092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $32,729 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($57,955) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For aspiring court reporters in South Burlington, Vermont, the starting court reporter salary in 2026 is projected to be around $33,875 at the P10 level. This figure is significantly lower than the city median of $57,955, illustrating the early-career pay gap that new graduates may face in their first jobs. However, there is potential for growth as individuals gain experience and credentials. Within the first three to five years, entry-level reporters can expect to see their earnings rise from the entry level to the P25 threshold of $42,661, making South Burlington a viable market for new graduates seeking opportunities in court reporting. Overall, the demand for skilled court reporters remains steady, offering promising avenues for those starting their careers in this profession.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South Burlington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Burlington
Entry-level court reporters in South Burlington, VT typically start between $33,875 and $42,661 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,955 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $57,955 — 22.51% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average court reporting program cost in Vermont of $28,000 represents just 82.66% of the starting court reporter pay ($33,875/year) in South Burlington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover NCRA-approved court reporting programs at community colleges and vocational schools. Includes tuition and certification exam fees. Many states additionally require a state Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) license.
CR Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in South Burlington
- 1Research the South Burlington market: entry-level court reporter pay ranges from $33,875 to $42,661, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the court reporting field — employers in VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in South Burlington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in South Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Burlington's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Court Reporter Compensation Range
The court reporter wage spread in South Burlington is $55,955 ( 165.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,875, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,830.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,580
2025 BLS Actual
$32,802
2026 Current Est.
$33,875
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Salary Trajectory for Court Reporters in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.27% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,580 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,603 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,737 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,717 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,944 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,098 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,802 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,875 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34,982 | Projected |
Entry-level court reporter compensation (10th percentile) in South Burlington, VT grew 33.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,580 in 2019 to $32,802 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $34,982. New graduates entering the South Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Burlington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.27% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your court reporting Career in South Burlington
In South Burlington, employers actively hiring new graduates include freelance court reporting agencies like Veritext and US Legal Support, which often provide structured mentorship for recent RPRs. State court positions are also available, typically requiring civil service exams, while broadcast captioning firms like VITAC and NCI seek experienced realtime reporters. New graduates can enhance their starting pay by pursuing credentials such as the NCRA RPR (Registered Professional Reporter) and optional RMR (Registered Merit Reporter) or CRR (Certified Realtime Reporter) designations. Since the court reporting workforce faces a chronic shortage, with an estimated 5,500-reporter gap identified by the NCRA, successful candidates may find a range of opportunities. New grads should also consider specializing in realtime or CART services, as these skills command higher pay. Realistically, first-year salaries in South Burlington could show steady growth as new professionals transition from entry-level positions, especially if they actively pursue further training and credentials while navigating a competitive job market.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for court reporters in South Burlington in 2026?
How fast do court reporter salaries grow in South Burlington?
Is court reporting school worth it in South Burlington?
What do new court reporters make right out of school in South Burlington?
How do I become a court reporter in Vermont?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Vermont
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new court reporting graduates. A 3.27% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in South Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Burlington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.27%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for court reporters (SOC 27-3092).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gomez, RPR, a licensed court reporter with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov