What is a reviewer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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A reviewer evaluates and provides critical feedback on various forms of content, such as books, films, music albums, software, and products. They analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the material and provide recommendations for improvements. Reviewers may work independently or for media outlets, publishing houses, or businesses. They are typically knowledgeable in their field of expertise to inform their reviews. A reviewer uses communication and writing skills to develop engaging work.

ScoreReviewerUS Average
Salary
3.8

Avg. Salary $48,691

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
9.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.01%

Asian 5.25%

Black or African American 13.42%

Hispanic or Latino 19.26%

Unknown 5.45%

White 55.61%

Gender

female 63.41%

male 36.59%

Age - 39
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 - 39
Stress Level
5.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.1

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
7.8

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Reviewer?

Pros

  • Chance to express your opinions and influence purchasing decisions

  • Ability to develop writing and analytical skills

  • Possibility to earn extra income

  • Ability to help consumers make informed decisions

  • Sense of satisfaction in helping others

Cons

  • Time-consuming process of testing and reviewing products or services

  • Potential for conflict of interest if receiving compensation or free products from companies being reviewed

  • Difficulty in standing out among a sea of other reviewers

  • Possibility of burnout or overwhelming workload

  • Potential for legal issues if violating FTC guidelines on disclosure and transparency

Reviewer career paths

Key steps to become a reviewer

  1. Explore reviewer education requirements

    Most common reviewer degrees

    Bachelor's

    51.5 %

    Master's

    16.1 %

    Associate

    12.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific reviewer skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Patients13.20%
    Healthcare10.40%
    Home Health8.47%
    Customer Service7.26%
    Excellent Time Management6.63%
  3. Complete relevant reviewer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New reviewers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a reviewer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real reviewer resumes.
  4. Gain additional reviewer certifications

    Reviewer certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific reviewer certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for reviewers include Basic Life Support for Healthcare and Public Safety (BLS) and Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research reviewer duties and responsibilities

    • Manage afive person team responsible for covering scope, assigning, analysis and then final review ofInvestigation ROI.
    • Review HUD-1, GFE, TIL and disclosures with the requirements of RESPA and TILA.
    • Work as a team member, reviewing and compiling GC and HPLC data.
    • Confirm federal, VA and state compliances, also maintain CRA, HMDA and RESPA compliance records.
  6. Prepare your reviewer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your 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 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 Reviewer Resume templates

    Build a professional 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 Reviewer resume.
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  7. Apply for reviewer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a 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 Reviewer Job

Zippi

Are you a Reviewer?

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Average reviewer salary

The average Reviewer salary in the United States is $48,691 per year or $23 per hour. Reviewer salaries range between $33,000 and $71,000 per year.

Average Reviewer Salary
$48,691 Yearly
$23.41 hourly

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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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