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Broadcast Captioner, CART Provider, Court Transcriptionist, Legal Reporter, Legal Transcriptionist, Live-Event Captioner, Onsite Captioning Provider, Realtime Reporter, Stenographer, Verbatim Shorthand Reporter
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in copying information to transcribe recorded proceedings in accordance with established formats; in responding to requests during court sessions to read back verbatim evidence, in responding to requests for transcripts ordered by judges, lawyers or the public, and in verifying accuracy of rulings by checking with judge
Interest in operating computerized recording equipment, electronic stenograph machines or stenomask
Interest to research and locate quotes to ensure accuracy
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Duties and specific tasks vary depending on the reporter’s specialization.
Court reporters write and produce verbatim transcripts of pre-trial questionings, court trials, quasi-judicial proceedings, questionings for discovery, and public hearings. They may provide real-time verbatim reporting services on request.
Live-event captioners simultaneously translate shorthand notes or spoken word into text, and may follow up with transcripts. There are 2 types of captioners:
Most captioners and court reporters work in urban environments. They may work in boardrooms, conference rooms, courts, or classrooms as well as business or community settings. Many have home offices.
Captioners and court reporters often work long hours and may need to sit for 2 or 3 hours at a time while concentrating on a high standard of work. Depending on the nature of the proceedings, they may be making transcriptions in challenging circumstances. Many proceedings are now conducted virtually, where the court reporter or captioner will write the proceeding from their home.
Captioners and court reporters need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 19 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 12, 2022 and Jan 19, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Long term benefits: Life insurance | 16 |
|---|---|
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 16 |
| Financial benefits: Piece work | 14 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication | 13 |
| Work under pressure | 13 |
| Sitting | 13 |
| Attention to detail | 13 |
| Long term benefits: Other benefits | 13 |
| Long term benefits: Group insurance benefits | 13 |
| Long term benefits: Registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) | 13 |
The Alberta Shorthand Reporters Association (ASRA) recommends that prospective captioners and court reporters take their training in a program approved by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). Some employers will only hire reporters who have completed this training. Students training to become reporters should study computer-compatible machine shorthand theory.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Court or shorthand reporters write machine shorthand at a minimum speed of 225 words per minute to capture every word spoken. Computer technology instantly translates shorthand notes into English text that can be displayed or printed.
Under Alberta’s Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act [pdf] and Alberta Shorthand Reporters Regulation [pdf], you must register as a member of the Alberta Shorthand Reporters Association (ASRA) to use the title of Certified Shorthand Reporter (Alberta) or the initials CSR(A).
You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Shorthand Reporter.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Court or Shorthand Reporter.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Captioners and court reporters are typically self-employed or work for private reporting companies. Some are hired by federal or provincial governments.
Self-employed captioners and court reporters supply their own equipment. This could include a shorthand machine, laptop computer, and industry-specific software. The cost could be as much as $5,000 to $10,000. Some items may need ongoing maintenance and upgrades.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 1251: Court reporters, medical transcriptionists and related occupations occupational group, 80.5% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 1251: Court reporters, medical transcriptionists and related occupations occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.9% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 76 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Captioners and Court Reporters are paid an hourly rate plus transcription fees. Income from transcription fees is generally higher for live, full, and expedited transcription services. Depending on the type and volume of work, court reporters can earn over $100,000 a year (2022 estimate).
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.33 | $27.55 | $25.33 | $27.55 |
| Overall | $23.00 | $33.50 | $30.68 | $32.90 |
| Top | $26.00 | $34.79 | $31.46 | $33.50 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $53,120 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $53,033 |
Alberta Shorthand Reporters Association (ASRA) website: www.asraonline.com
National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) website: www.ncra.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 21, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
