General stenographers, including most beginners, take routine dictation and perform other office tasks such as typing, filing, answering telephones and operating office machines. Experienced and highly skilled stenographers take more difficult dictation. They also supervise other stenographers, typists and clerical workers. Technical stenographers must know the medical, legal, engineering or scientific terminology used in a particular profession. An increasing number of court reporters work from home-based offices as subcontractors for law firms and transcription services.
Stenographers usually work in clean, well-lighted offices.
Sitting in the same position for long periods can be tiring, and workers can suffer wrist, back, neck or eye problems due to strain, and risk repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The pressure to be accurate and fast can also be stressful. Many court reporters and stenographers work a standard 40-hour week, although about 1 in 4 works part time. A substantial number of court reporters, however, are self-employed, which may result in irregular working hours. Although requirements vary, applicants with the best speed and accuracy usually receive first consideration in hiring.