More men are suiting up for jobs in traditionally female-oriented industries - including court reporting.

A few months ago, we posted a blog debunking the perception that court reporting was a “chick’s gig.” Truth is, many men enjoy successful careers as court reporters today. And if the results of a new study hold, we may see an even bigger male migration soon.

Originally, court reporting was done by shorthand. And nearly all shorthand professionals were men. When the first steno machines came available (either in 1830 or 1863, according to competing historical accounts), followed by typewriters in 1868, the industry opened up to women. Over the decades, women gained ground and dominated the field. But men started coming back to court reporting in the latter part of the 20th century.

Now, according to the Pew Research Center, the troubled economy and rising unemployment rate over the past few years has more men looking at traditionally female-dominated occupations than ever before. Consider these statistics:

• An analysis of census data by the New York Times shows that between 2000 and 2010, occupations that are more than 70 percent female accounted for nearly a third of all job growth for men. That figure is double the share of the previous decade;
• In 2010, two thirds more men were bank tellers than in 2000;
• In 2010, the number of male receptionist was double the number in 2000;
• And in 2010, two-thirds more men made their livings waiting tables than a decade earlier.

Research shows the men-trend toward “pink collar” jobs actually began before the economic crash, prompted by several factors. Many gender stereotypes have all but disappeared over the past few decades and quality of life issues play a major role in many men’s career decisions. Among those quality-of-life preferences is long-term financial security and flexibility – both benefits that working as a court reporter, whether as staff or on a freelance basis – afford.

So, if you’re an ambitious guy looking for a solid career choice, call the Stenotype Institute at 800-273-5090 and speak with an enrollment specialist about opportunities in the court reporting field today.