Court Reporter Hourly Pay in Cary, NC: $33.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a court reporter working in Cary, NC runs $33.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,365 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-3092). Weighted against Cary's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,221 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cary, North Carolina, the court reporter hourly pay stands at a median of $33.83 as of 2026, slightly below the national median of $35.96. This rate presents a viable opportunity for both part-time professionals and per-diem workers, especially given the diverse settings where they may operate, such as deposition conference rooms, courtrooms, and CART live event venues. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly income translates to a consistent income while allowing flexibility in scheduling. The hourly range for court reporters in Cary varies significantly, extending from $20.46 for those at the entry level to around $52.44 for experienced professionals, illustrating the potential for growth as one gains experience and expertise.
About the Cary Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Court Reporter Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.46 | $163.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.53 | $204.23 |
| Median (P50) | $33.83 | $270.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.30 | $346.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.44 | $419.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cary
Based on $33.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.83/hr, a court reporter working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cary, NC can expect to earn approximately $70,369 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,598. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cary.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cary
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,353.25 | $5,864 | $70,369 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $811.95 | $3,518 | $42,221 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $541.30 | $2,346 | $28,148 |
Compare CR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Court Reporter (Cary) | $33.83 |
| 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 Cary, NC earn a median of $70,365 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.91% lower than the national median of $74,788 and 0.50% above the North Carolina state average of $70,015.
Court Reporter Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.83/hr = $42,221/year (purchasing power: $45,108).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,369/year (purchasing power: $75,181).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Court Reporters in Cary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.27% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for court reporters in Cary grew 20.4% from $27.20/hr (2019) to $32.76/hr (2025). At a 3.27% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.94/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 Cary 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 Cary
Part-time court reporters in Cary who average 24 hours of work per week can expect a take-home of approximately $42,100 annually, which is significantly less than a full-time reporter but provides a balance between work and personal life. Freelance court reporters often explore per-diem options, earning between $400 and $800 for half-day depositions, alongside transcript fees which can further inflate earnings. For realtime and CART services, rates can soar to $150-$300 per hour. Variation in pay is common depending on the employer type; independent court reporters frequently book through firms such as Veritext or Esquire, while official state and federal positions may offer steadier, albeit potentially lower pay with accompanying benefits. Negotiating these rates can be complex, as many choose to accept lower hourly pay in exchange for health insurance, while those focused on maximizing their income may prefer the flexibility of freelance work. In this evolving industry, understanding the nuances of court reporter hourly pay in Cary can make all the difference in shaping a successful career.
More salary data for Cary, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for court reporters in Cary 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 Cary. 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 Cary 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