I've been a proofreader in Texas for the past 16 years or so and have been charging 35 cents per page since 1993! (So much for a cost of living increase, huh?) Unfortunately most court reporters just aren't willing to pay much more above that unless in rush situations and/or heavy medical/technical transcripts. But generally speaking, nationwide, 35 cents per page seems to be the going rate and a good number to start at for negotiation purposes. I hope this was able to help you! --Chris
The 35-cents-per-page rate is what seems to be the going rate for "normal" turnaround, which most proofreaders seem to classify as three days. (I, personally, count it as three calendar days, not three business days.) It is up to the individual proofreader, of course, but "rush" as an industry standard (and the associated rush rate), seems to apply only in cases of 48 hours or less in which to turn back your product.
Business days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Calendar days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Some proofreaders, when they say three-day turnaround, they mean three "business days." Let's say for example that you receive a job on a Friday. That is the first "business day." Second business day would be Monday. Third business day would be Tuesday. So in essence, the proofreader has had the job in his/her possession for five days before being returned back to the client (although only three of those were "counted").
If a proofreader works according to calendar days, that means that were the same job accepted on a Friday, that he/she would have only until Monday to return it back to the client. (In other words, weekends count!)
Most court reporters get their work done during the weekend so don't tend to appreciate those proofreaders who operate by business days rather than calendar days. I hope this wasn't too confusing! :-)