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Stenographer Salary in the United States

How much does a Stenographer make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Stenographer in the United States is $45,898 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

However, a Stenographer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $66,543
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $37,596 to $56,704
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $30,037
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Stenographer Salaries

A Stenographer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Stenographers Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Stenographers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $50,818.
  • California: $50,625.
  • Massachusetts: $49,951.

Top Paying Cities for Stenographer

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $57,891
  • San Francisco: $57,257
  • Oakland: $56,050

What Skills Can Increase a Stenographer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Word Processing (Mentioned in 100% Job Postings): word processing, operation in which a text-editing software program called a word processor is used to create a document on a computer. A word-processing system can produce a wide variety of documents, including letters, memoranda, and manuals, rapidly and at relatively low cost.
Skills Demand Percentage
Word Processing 100%
See More Skills

Stenographer Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Stenographer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $45,898. While startup companies pay approximate $45,898.

Stenographer Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $45,898
Growth Stage 51~500 $45,898
Established 501~5000 $45,898
Enterprise 5000+ $45,898

Stenographer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Stenographer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$37,596
Average $45,898/year
$56,704
$3,133
Average $3,825/month
$4,725
$723
Average $883/week
$1,090
$18
Average $22/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $56,704 $4,725 $1,090 $27
Average $45,898 $3,825 $883 $22
25th Percentile $37,596 $3,133 $723 $18

Most common benefits for Stenographer

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

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FAQ about Stenographer

1. Where can a Stenographer earn the most?

A Stenographer's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Stenographer earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Stenographer is $57,891.

2. What is the highest pay for Stenographer?

The highest pay for Stenographer is $66,543.

3. What is the lowest pay for Stenographer?

The lowest pay for Stenographer is $30,037.

4. What are the responsibilities of Stenographer?

Takes dictation in shorthand of correspondence, reports, and other related material. May operate a typewriter to transcribe dictated material. May require an associate's degree. Requires 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Is familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision; typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Little or no degree of creativity and latitude required.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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