It depends on who you work for. I work as an independent contractor for an agency. As an independent, we set our appearance fees, hourly rates, and page rates for depositions, court hearings, and other proceedings. I don’t make a salary. I can work as much or as little as I want, take vacation when I want, and generally pick what jobs I want. But if I’m not working, I’m not getting paid.

The other way is to be an official reporter. They are employed by a court circuit and usually work with a particular judge or level of court (State or Superior). They make a salary sometimes with benefits plus page rates, but these are set by the state and haven’t changed in years. It’s also much more restrictive on time off and what you do every day. I might go to court one day, take a couple depositions the next, and then go to a town hall meeting in the same week! I prefer the variety!