Clerk-Stenographer and Reporter
Federal position providing stenographic, court reporting, and transcription services for hearings, meetings, and official proceedings at federal courts and government agencies.
💰GS-0312 Salary Information
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0312
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Clerical and Administrative Support Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements: There is no OPM qualification standard for this series. If a standard is needed to fill positions in this series, the employing agency should contact OPM for assistance.
Proficiency Requirements (from Group Coverage Standard):
- Clerk-Stenographer, GS-3/4: 40 words per minute typing AND 80 words per minute dictation
- Clerk-Stenographer, GS-5: 40 words per minute typing AND 120 words per minute dictation
- Reporting Stenographer, GS-5/6: 120 words per minute dictation minimum
- Shorthand Reporter/Closed Microphone, GS-6: 160 words per minute dictation
- GS-7 and above: 175 words per minute dictation
Applicants may demonstrate proficiency through performance testing, authorized certificates (valid 3 years), or self-certification (subject to agency verification).
Experience and Education Requirements by Grade Level (Group Standard):
| Grade | General Experience | Specialized Experience | Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | None | None | None |
| GS-2 | 3 months | None | High school diploma or equivalent |
| GS-3 | 6 months | None | High school diploma (Clerk-Steno) |
| GS-4 | 1 year | None | 2 years above high school |
| GS-5 | 2 years (Clerk-Steno) | 1 year at GS-4 level | 4 years above high school |
| GS-6+ | None | 1 year at next lower grade | Generally not applicable |
General Experience: Progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to perform successfully the duties of the position.
Combining Education and Experience: For grades GS-3 through GS-5, applicants may substitute education for experience. Express both as percentages; combined must equal at least 100%.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0312
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal clerk-stenographer and reporter position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your Grade Level
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-0312
Yeoman
Yeomen are responsible for preparing official documents and maintaining records, which translates well to transcription and stenography duties.
Administration
Air Force Administration specialists handle documentation and records, providing a foundation for stenographic and transcription tasks.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Take stenographic notes
- •Transcribe proceedings
- •Prepare official transcripts
- •Operate recording equipment
- •Maintain transcript records
🎯Key Competencies
Proficiency in shorthand or machine stenography.
Skill in producing accurate written records.
Accuracy in capturing spoken words.
Rapid and accurate keyboarding ability.
Ability to maintain focus during lengthy proceedings.
Knowledge of specialized terminology.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
Grade information not available
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0312
What is a federal Clerk-Stenographer or Court Reporter?
GS-0312 positions provide stenographic, court reporting, and transcription services for federal hearings, meetings, and official proceedings. They capture spoken words in real-time using shorthand or stenotype machines, then produce accurate written transcripts. These roles exist at federal courts, administrative hearings, and agency meetings requiring official records.
How much does a federal Clerk-Stenographer make?
GS-0312 positions range from GS-3 ($27,434) for entry-level clerk-stenographers to GS-9+ ($52,205+) for experienced court reporters. Shorthand reporters at GS-6/7 earn $38,407-$55,486. Court reporters with 175+ wpm capability command higher grades. Add 15-40% locality pay for metro areas.
What are the requirements for GS-0312 positions?
Speed and accuracy are mandatory: GS-3/4 requires 40 wpm typing plus 80 wpm dictation. GS-5 needs 120 wpm dictation. Court reporters at GS-6+ need 160-175 wpm dictation capability. You'll demonstrate proficiency through testing, certification, or verified self-certification.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0312?
Partially. While military admin experience helps meet general requirements, stenography is a specialized skill requiring specific training. If you learned shorthand, stenotype, or court reporting in the military or through training programs, that directly qualifies. Veterans with transcription experience have an advantage.
What is the career progression for Clerk-Stenographers?
Entry at GS-3/4 progresses to GS-5/6 as skills increase. Court reporters can reach GS-9 or higher at federal courts. Many transition to Legal Administrative Specialist, Paralegal, or other legal support roles. The stenography skills also transfer to closed captioning and CART provider careers.
How do I apply for GS-0312 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Stenographer,' 'Court Reporter,' or 'Shorthand Reporter.' Positions are concentrated at federal courts, DOJ, and agencies with administrative hearing functions. Be prepared to demonstrate your speed through testing. Certifications from NCRA or state court reporting associations strengthen your application.
Ready to Apply for GS-0312?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.