Senior Court Reporter Salary in Burlington, IA: $100,622 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of court reporters working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $100,622/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 27-3092. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $111,308 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, IA, seasoned court reporters can command impressive salaries, particularly those reaching the upper echelons of the profession. With the 2026 projected top-tier earnings estimated at $100,622, those who achieve the 90th percentile can expect a lucrative compensation that notably exceeds the median annual salary of $64,918. This gap underscores the value of advanced skills and experience in the field, which can take years to cultivate. Achieving the highest pay levels often requires specializing in areas such as official court reporting, medical depositions, or CART services. Furthermore, as the demand for skilled reporters continues to grow, the potential for top court reporter salary in Burlington is substantial, especially for dedicated professionals who invest in their expertise and credentials.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced court reporters at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $83,094 and $100,622 per year (2026 est.). This $60,866 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $64,918 sits 13.2% below the US median.
Top CR Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,918 | $74,788 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,094 | $104,076 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $100,622 | $134,829 |
In Burlington, experienced court reporters (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Court Reporter Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA court reporters with additional specialty certifications within the court reporting field earn significantly above the $64,918 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Court Reporters focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the court reporting field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $83,094–$100,622 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced court reporters who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured court reporters in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Court Reporters in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Court Reporter Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Court Reporter
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Court Reporter
5-10 yearsCourt Reporter Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #14 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner court reporter salary (90th percentile: $100,622).
Top 10% court reporter compensation in Burlington ($100,622) is 6.43% below the Iowa average P90 ($107,537).
2019 BLS Actual
$79,264
2025 BLS Actual
$97,436
2026 Current Est.
$100,622
2019–2027 Growth
+31.1%
Salary Trajectory for Court Reporters in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.27% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,264 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,525 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,854 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,361 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,035 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,436 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,622 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,913 | Projected |
Top-earning court reporters (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 22.9% from $79,264 in 2019 to $97,436 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.27% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $103,913 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Court Reporter Earnings in Burlington
Compensation for experienced court reporters in Burlington varies widely based on specialization and employer type. Noteworthy areas such as deposition reporting and CART for accessibility frequently command the highest wages within the freelance reporting market, which is prevalent in the region due to firms like Veritext and US Legal Support. Official court reporters employed in state systems may encounter salary scales that reflect civil service rates, while federal court reporters typically receive premium compensation due to stricter qualifications and greater responsibilities. Moreover, many experienced professionals enhance their earnings potential by obtaining credentials such as NCRA’s RPR and RMR designations, which can lead to advanced roles or specialty paths that yield higher pay. The competitive nature of this profession—particularly in an era where stenographic reporting faces challenges from digital recording—reiterates the need for continuous skill development and adaptation to market demands in Burlington and beyond.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced court reporters make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher court reporter pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost court reporter salary in Burlington?
Can experienced court reporters make six figures in Burlington?
How much does court reporter salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $97,436 for court reporters in the Burlington metro area. A 3.27% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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