Originally Posted by dunlaf05

4. Court reporters
What they do: Court reporters transcribe what is said during trials, mediations and other legal proceedings.
What they earn: $48,380/year
Why it's surprising: When you think about all the activity taking place during a trial, you probably think more about the excitement of a John Grisham novel than of the quiet observer meticulously writing down every word that's spoken aloud. Yet, court reporters play a vital role in several stages and types of legal proceedings. It's hard to imagine legal proceedings without the ability to refer to an accurate, detailed transcript. The salary isn't as high as you might expect for a job that requires extreme attention to detail in such important situations.