Court Reporter Hourly Pay in Lawrence, KS: $33.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a court reporter working in Lawrence, KS runs $33.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,743 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-3092). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,242 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Court reporters in Lawrence, Kansas, earn a median hourly rate of $33.05, which is slightly lower than the national median of $35.96. This wage reflects the local market conditions and the overall economy of the area, making it a crucial factor for those considering part-time or freelance work. Part-time court reporters working three days a week can expect to generate around $26,976 annually, emphasizing the potential for flexible work schedules. On the other hand, per-diem workers, often employed in various settings like depositions, courtrooms, and live events, can find their earning potential varies widely; for instance, their rates can significantly fluctuate based on demand, expertise, and type of work, from $19.17 for entry-level to up to $51.22 for seasoned professionals. These figures illustrate the hourly compensation landscape for court reporters, highlighting that earnings can vary based on the job setting and individual experience level.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Court Reporter Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.17 | $153.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.50 | $203.98 |
| Median (P50) | $33.05 | $264.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.30 | $338.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.22 | $409.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $33.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.05/hr, a court reporter working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, KS can expect to earn approximately $68,737 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,656. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,321.86 | $5,728 | $68,737 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $793.11 | $3,437 | $41,242 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $528.74 | $2,291 | $27,495 |
Compare CR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Court Reporter (Lawrence) | $33.05 |
| Paralegal (National Avg) | $29.95 |
| Medical Transcriptionist (National Avg) | $19.96 |
| Legal Secretary (National Avg) | $26.86 |
| Interpreter / Translator (National Avg) | $28.15 |
Court Reporters in Lawrence, KS earn a median of $68,743 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.08% lower than the national median of $74,788 and 1.10% above the Kansas state average of $67,995.
Court Reporter Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.05/hr = $41,242/year (purchasing power: $45,371).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,737/year (purchasing power: $75,618).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Court Reporters in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.27% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for court reporters in Lawrence grew 20.4% from $26.57/hr (2019) to $32.00/hr (2025). At a 3.27% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.13/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem court reporters can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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.
Working as an Hourly Court Reporter in Lawrence
In the field, part-time reporters in Lawrence may find their earnings considerably different year-over-year compared to full-time counterparts. A three-day-per-week commitment can yield less than traditional full-time employment, reinforcing a notable balance between lifestyle flexibility and earning potential. Freelance deposition reporters, for instance, can command $400-$800 for half-day jobs, plus additional fees for transcripts, showcasing a lucrative avenue for skilled professionals. Hourly rates can vary remarkably based on employer type; official court reporters earn a stable income from the state, while independent contractors may be subject to the market demand’s ebb and flow. Navigating negotiations becomes an essential skill, with many opting for lower hourly rates that include health benefits versus higher-paying roles that lack such perks, particularly in the competitive realm of court reporting in Lawrence, KS. The chronic workforce shortage, with projections indicating a gap of 5,500 reports nationally, further emphasizes the critical need for skilled stenographers and CART providers, pointing to numerous opportunities for growth and advancement within the profession.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for court reporters in Lawrence in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.27% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for court reporters in Lawrence. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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