Court Reporter Hourly Pay in Manchester, NJ: $36.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a court reporter working in Manchester, NJ runs $36.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,704 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-3092). Weighted against Manchester's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,023 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manchester, New Jersey, a court reporter earns a median hourly rate of $36.88, slightly above the national median of $35.96. This competitive pay makes court reporting an appealing option for both full-time professionals and those seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities. Whether working in deposition conference rooms, state and federal courtrooms, or providing live captioning and CART services, the hourly wage facilitates a flexible schedule. For entry-level reporters, hourly pay starts at about $23.20, while seasoned professionals can command up to $57.16, reflecting the vast experience levels and specialties within the field. The hourly rates are derived from annual salary projections for 2026, based on 2025 BLS data, indicating an encouraging marketplace for court reporters in this region.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Court Reporter Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.20 | $185.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.43 | $227.44 |
| Median (P50) | $36.88 | $295.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.20 | $377.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.16 | $457.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manchester
Based on $36.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.88/hr, a court reporter working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manchester, NJ can expect to earn approximately $76,706 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,253. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manchester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manchester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,475.11 | $6,392 | $76,706 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $885.07 | $3,835 | $46,023 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $590.04 | $2,557 | $30,682 |
Compare CR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Court Reporter (Manchester) | $36.88 |
| 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 Manchester, NJ earn a median of $76,704 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.56% higher than the national median of $74,788 and 3.70% below the New Jersey state average of $79,651.
Court Reporter Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.88/hr = $46,023/year (purchasing power: $39,951).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,706/year (purchasing power: $66,585).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Court Reporters in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.27% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for court reporters in Manchester grew 20.4% from $29.65/hr (2019) to $35.71/hr (2025). At a 3.27% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.08/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 Manchester 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 Manchester
Working part-time as a court reporter, say three days a week for a total of 24 hours, allows an individual to earn approximately $45,000 annually. This figure is quite attractive considering the responsibilities involved. Freelance deposition reporters may receive between $400 and $800 for a half-day deposition, alongside per-page transcript fees that can add significantly to overall income. For realtime CART captioning, earnings can range from $150 to $300 per hour, making it a lucrative specialty. In Manchester, hourly compensation varies based on employer type; freelance reporters might earn more than official court reporters who receive benefits. The decision to prioritize higher hourly pay over health insurance can significantly influence career choices. For those contemplating a per diem role, negotiation skills are crucial, especially in a market increasingly seeking professionals with NCRA credentials like RPR and CRR.
More salary data for Manchester, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for court reporters in Manchester in 2026?
How much do part-time court reporters make in Manchester?
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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 Manchester. 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 Manchester 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