What is a document reviewer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

In many ways, a document reviewer is similar to an editor. They are both responsible for checking documents for errors and ensuring they meet stipulated standards. But unlike editors, reviewers are legal professionals. They examine legal documents relevant to court cases before they are submitted to the opposing party.

Reviewers may go through more documents per day than editors and work on everything from memos to letters, PowerPoint presentations, and even spreadsheets.

In addition to reviewing, these professionals may also create summaries and highlight important parts of the documents. Depending on the organization, document reviewers may work with e-documents or hard copies.

You may need a law degree or an associate's degree to become a document reviewer, depending on the employer. Extensive knowledge of legal documents is a requisite for this role. However, most employers prefer hands-on experience since document review isn't taught in law school. Most training occurs on the job.

ScoreDocument ReviewerUS Average
Salary
4.2

Avg. Salary $53,858

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
9.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.83%

Asian 7.06%

Black or African American 13.36%

Hispanic or Latino 18.26%

Unknown 5.00%

White 55.48%

Gender

female 55.58%

male 44.42%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Document Reviewer career paths

Key steps to become a document reviewer

  1. Explore document reviewer education requirements

    Most common document reviewer degrees

    Bachelor's

    40.8 %

    Doctorate

    33.9 %

    Master's

    9.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific document reviewer skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Litigation23.47%
    QC13.82%
    E-Discovery Software4.78%
    Law Firm4.46%
    Approvals4.13%
  3. Research document reviewer duties and responsibilities

    • Project manage the implementation of a third party OFAC customer verification module for branch personnel.
    • Reviewed/Package loan docs and generate estimated HUD-1 for review.
    • Create and update website and Facebook page.
    • Verify all new accounts open follow KYC and CIP regulations.
  4. Prepare your document reviewer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your document reviewer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a document reviewer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Document Reviewer Resume templates

    Build a professional Document Reviewer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Document Reviewer resume.
    Document Reviewer Resume
    Document Reviewer Resume
    Document Reviewer Resume
    Document Reviewer Resume
    Document Reviewer Resume
    Document Reviewer Resume
    Document Reviewer Resume
    Document Reviewer Resume
    Document Reviewer Resume
  5. Apply for document reviewer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a document reviewer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Document Reviewer Job

Zippi

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Average document reviewer salary

The average Document Reviewer salary in the United States is $53,858 per year or $26 per hour. Document reviewer salaries range between $27,000 and $103,000 per year.

Average Document Reviewer Salary
$53,858 Yearly
$25.89 hourly

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How do document reviewers rate their job?

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Document Reviewer reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2021
Pros

I love the freedom I experience as a Notary Public. I can set my own hours and I enjoy meeting and helping my clients.

Cons

There is nothing that I do not like about my job as a notary public.


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A zippia user wrote a review on May 2021
Cons

Nothing everything is great.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Pros

It's your money. It's your schedule. It's your own business.

Cons

Traveling can sometimes be an issue because if you can't make it when they want you can lose out on that job, also, if you have kids it can be an issue because a lot of times you have to look for a sitter last minute or if you're working full time or can be an issue because you won't be able to make every appointment.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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