Court Reporter Hourly Pay in Suffolk, VA: $36.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a court reporter working in Suffolk, VA runs $36.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,887 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-3092). Weighted against Suffolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,534 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Suffolk, Virginia, the projected court reporter hourly pay stands at $36.49, which slightly surpasses the national median of $35.96. This competitive hourly rate opens various opportunities for part-time and per-diem court reporters. For example, a court reporter working three days a week can achieve a stable income while balancing other commitments. Freelance court reporters often find themselves in diverse environments, including deposition conference rooms, state and federal courtrooms, and educational settings. For entry-level professionals, hourly rates begin at around $22.42, while top earners can command up to $56.55, showcasing a promising spectrum of pay that rewards skill and experience. These figures are derived from annual salaries, reflecting the sustainable earning potential in this field.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Court Reporter Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.42 | $179.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.71 | $221.66 |
| Median (P50) | $36.49 | $291.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.70 | $373.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.55 | $452.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Suffolk
Based on $36.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.49/hr, a court reporter working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Suffolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $75,889 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,782. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Suffolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Suffolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,459.41 | $6,324 | $75,889 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $875.65 | $3,794 | $45,534 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $583.76 | $2,530 | $30,356 |
Compare CR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Court Reporter (Suffolk) | $36.49 |
| 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 Suffolk, VA earn a median of $75,887 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.47% higher than the national median of $74,788 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $77,199.
Court Reporter Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.49/hr = $45,534/year (purchasing power: $44,122).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,889/year (purchasing power: $73,536).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Court Reporters in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.27% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for court reporters in Suffolk grew 20.4% from $29.33/hr (2019) to $35.33/hr (2025). At a 3.27% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.68/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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk
Part-time court reporters in Suffolk, working approximately 24 hours a week, could realize an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, thereby emphasizing the financial trade-offs for these professionals. Freelance court reporters generally earn between $400 and $800 for a half-day deposition, in addition to per-page fees for transcripts. For those providing realtime or CART live captioning services, the pay can range dramatically from $150 to $300 per hour. Employment at various entities influences earnings as well—independent court reporters usually have different pay scales than official court reporters employed by state systems or federal courts. While some court reporters may opt for lower hourly rates to access health benefits, others choose higher pay without such protections. Those seeking per diem court reporter pay in Suffolk should focus on negotiation strategies that reflect their expertise, as strong negotiation can significantly enhance overall earnings.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for court reporters in Suffolk in 2026?
How much do part-time court reporters make in Suffolk?
Are court reporters in Suffolk paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time court reporter make per year in Suffolk?
Do court reporters earn more per hour working part-time in Suffolk?
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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 Suffolk. 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 Suffolk 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