Stenographers

Audio recording equipment, the use of personal computers by managers and other professionals, and the use of AI-powered transcription technology has greatly reduced the demand for stenographers in office settings. Continued technological advances, such as computer-aided equipment that can print out what is being said by a spoken voice, will limit demand for basic stenographers without specialized skills and training.

Employment for court reporters and simultaneous captioners is expected to grow by 2 percent, slower than the average, through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). "Court reporters will continue to be needed to create detailed, accurate records of legal proceedings," according to the DOL. "Technology may make transcription work more efficient; however, court reporters will continue to be needed to review and edit digitally produced documentation."

Job opportunities will be best in the coming years for computer-aided transcription (CAT) system operators in real-time settings. The trend to provide instantaneous captions for the deaf and hearing-impaired and the growing use of CAT technology in courtroom trials should strengthen the demand for real-time reporters and other specialists. There will be also be more jobs for simultaneous and traditional broadcast captioners, due to federal regulations that require expanded use of captioning for television, the Internet, and other technologies.