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Broadcast Captioner, CART Provider, Legal Reporter, 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:
| Starting | $24.50 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $29.09 |
| Top | $30.80 |
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
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 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.
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 find themselves in boardrooms, conference rooms, courts or classrooms as well as business or community settings. Many have home offices.
Captioners and court reporters often must work long hours and may be required to sit for 2 or 3 hours at a time while maintaining concentration and a high standard of work. Depending on the nature of the proceedings, they may be making transcriptions in challenging circumstances.
Captioners and court reporters need:
They should enjoy:
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.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Court or shorthand reporters write machine shorthand at a minimum speed of 225 words per minute, capturing every word spoken in a variety of settings. Computer technology instantly translates shorthand notes into English text which can be displayed on computer monitors or large projector screens, or printed as a transcript.
Certified Shorthand Reporter is a protected title under Alberta's Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act. This means that to call yourself a Certified Shorthand Reporter, you must be a registered member of the Alberta Shorthand Reporters Association (ASRA). You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself a Certified Shorthand Reporter.
Registration requires: (1) successful completion of approved examinations, (2) registration as a participating member of ASRA for at least one year immediately prior to application, and (3) successful completion of an approved education program or at least five years of work experience as a court reporter. For official, detailed information about registration requirements, visit the ASRA website or contact ASRA.
Court or shorthand reporters who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if registered court or shorthand reporters in the two jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory? and the Alberta regulatory authority above.
Alberta Shorthand Reporters Association
#309, 17008 - 90 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T5T 1L6
Phone number:780-951-6554
Website: www.asraonline.com
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.
There is currently a high demand for captioners and court reporters across Alberta and Canada.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
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.
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 from $60,000 to over $100,000 a year (2019 estimate).
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.33 | $27.28 | $24.50 | $27.28 |
| Overall | $19.00 | $32.78 | $29.09 | $32.18 |
| Top | $26.50 | $33.17 | $30.80 | $33.17 |
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.
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.
| Public Administration | $55,032 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $50,584 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $50,526 |
Alberta Shorthand Reporters Association (ASRA) website: 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 31, 2019. 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.