Official Court Reporter

Overview

Whether launching or continuing a career in public service, the U.S. District Court offers competitive salaries and benefits, a work schedule that supports work-life balance, and the opportunity to contribute to administering justice in an efficient and effective manner. This position provides an excellent opportunity to advance a career in Federal court service.

Court Reporters support a fast-paced and collaborative environment, covering both in-person and remote (Zoom) proceedings across the district. The court handles a wide range of complex and high-profile cases, including intellectual property, biotech litigation, Silicon Valley technology, high-stakes criminal cases, and civil rights matters.

Court reporters work closely with judges, attorneys, and fellow reporters to produce accurate and timely transcripts of court proceedings. This role offers meaningful in-person work, telework flexibility, opportunities to work across San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland courthouses, and strong earning potential. Transcript income for in-person reporters has averaged over $125,000 annually over the past three years.

(Priority consideration to applicants who apply by February 19, 2026)

• Work as part of a team of reporters for the judges of the court.
• Provide verbatim shorthand reporting of courtroom proceedings and read back portions of the record when required.
• Produce transcripts at a high volume, including expedited and daily transcripts.
• For some criminal proceedings, create and store audio recordings alongside shorthand notes. Adhere to the policies and administrative procedures in the Court Reporter Management Plan, the Court Reporter Manual, and the Guide to Judiciary Policy.
• Perform administrative tasks including transcripts billing, docketing financial tracking, responding to requests, and submitting required reports to the Administrative Office.

• Level 1 ($119,330): at least one year of court reporting experience (freelance, courts, or a combination); RPR (or equivalent); and excellent Realtime skills. Those hired without Realtime certification must pass the test within two years.
• Level 2 ($125,296): in addition to Level 1 requirements, requires Registered Merit Reporter (RMR) certification and ability to provide Realtime writing in the courtroom (must become Realtime certified within two years of hire).
• Level 3 ($131,263): in addition to Level 2 requirements, requires Realtime certification.
• Level 4 ($137,229): in addition to Level 3 requirements, requires Realtime and RMR certification.
• Level 5 ($143,197): for transferring Federal Official Court Reporters appointed before October 11, 2009, with CRR or FCRR, RMR and ten years’ reporting experience in federal courts.

• Three or more years of court reporting experience (freelance, courts, or a combination) and experience directly invoicing clients.
• Experience e-filing transcripts on a court docket.
• Previous federal court experience.
• Realtime Certification.
• Certificate of Merit from NCRA.

Successful candidates must be able to (with or without accommodation): bend, pull, push, and lift up to 20 pounds; reach; walk; and sit for extended periods.

The U.S. District Court is part of the federal Judicial branch and is independent of the Executive and Legislative branches. The court sets its own employment policies, including remote work and performance management, while valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

We offer a competitive salary along with full federal benefits, and new reporters are immediately included in the court’s trial rotation, ensuring opportunities for additional transcript income.

Judicial Branch employees are at-will employees and are not subject to the employment regulations of competitive service; however, judiciary employees are entitled to benefits.

For information about federal court benefits, please visit the benefits page on the federal judiciary site.

The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement or withdraw the announcement without prior notice.

The successful candidate will…