Court Reporter Hourly Pay in Lakewood, WA: $38.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a court reporter working in Lakewood, WA runs $38.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,363 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-3092). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,622 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Court reporters in Lakewood, Washington, earn a median hourly rate of $38.16, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $35.96. This competitive pay can significantly benefit part-time and per-diem court reporters, who often work in settings like deposition conference rooms, courtrooms, and home studios. Those who work part-time, for instance, might clock in three days a week, allowing them to balance other commitments while still benefiting from a solid hourly wage. With an hourly rate range spanning from $22.13 for entry-level positions to $59.14 for top earners, the financial landscape offers various earning potentials, particularly attractive to new entrants and seasoned professionals alike. These figures represent estimates derived from annual salary data, reflecting the current demand for skilled court reporters in the area.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Court Reporter Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.13 | $177.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.19 | $233.56 |
| Median (P50) | $38.16 | $305.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.84 | $390.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.14 | $473.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $38.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.16/hr, a court reporter working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, WA can expect to earn approximately $79,369 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,790. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,526.33 | $6,614 | $79,369 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $915.80 | $3,968 | $47,622 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $610.53 | $2,646 | $31,748 |
Compare CR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Court Reporter (Lakewood) | $38.16 |
| 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 Lakewood, WA earn a median of $79,363 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.12% higher than the national median of $74,788 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $80,327.
Court Reporter Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.16/hr = $47,622/year (purchasing power: $44,340).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,369/year (purchasing power: $73,901).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Court Reporters in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.27% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for court reporters in Lakewood grew 20.4% from $30.68/hr (2019) to $36.95/hr (2025). At a 3.27% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.41/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Analyzing the earning potential for court reporters in Lakewood reveals unique opportunities in part-time and freelance settings. For instance, a court reporter working 24 hours a week can anticipate earnings at a different pace compared to full-time colleagues, allowing for flexibility while still achieving substantial income annually. Per diem work presents another attractive option; freelance deposition reporters might charge $400-$800 for half-day sessions along with additional fees for the per-page transcripts. Interestingly, the pay can vary widely based on the type of employer, where independent contractors, official court reporters, and broadcast captioners frequently negotiate different rates. While some reporters may prioritize higher hourly wages, they might also factor in benefits, making negotiations critical in this job market. Considering the ongoing shortage in the court reporting workforce, with a significant estimate of 5,500 reporters needed across the nation, the pressure could lead to more lucrative positions for skilled candidates. Understanding the dynamics of the court reporter hourly pay in Lakewood can help both newcomers and veterans navigate their professional paths effectively.
More salary data for Lakewood, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for court reporters in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time court reporters make in Lakewood?
Are court reporters in Lakewood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time court reporter make per year in Lakewood?
Do court reporters earn more per hour working part-time in Lakewood?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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