Meter Readers, Utilities

Also Called: Meter Reader, Meter Technician, Water Meter Reader, Water Use Inspector

High School Diploma/GED

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$31,320

Entry Salary

Below Average

Job outlook

What Meter Readers, Utilities do

Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.

  • Read electric, gas, water, or steam consumption meters and enter data in route books or hand-held computers.
  • Upload into office computers all information collected on hand-held computers during meter rounds, or return route books or hand-held computers to business offices so that data can be compiled.
  • Walk or drive vehicles along established routes to take readings of meter dials.
Industry Areas:

Construction

Training Program Areas:

Electrical • OCT-Only Construction • Smart Meter & Instrumentation Technician

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  • Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Tools

  • Remote automatic meter reading system
  • Portable data input terminals
  • Two way radios
  • Flashlight
  • Multimeters

Technology

Data base user interface and query software
Data entry software
Microsoft Access
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Service Orientation
  • Speaking

Knowledge

Business
customer service
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Arts and Humanities
English language
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Education

  • 71% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 17% Some college, no degree
  • 9% Associate's degree

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Meter Readers, Utilities Currently Selected

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Audiovisual Equipment Installers & Repairers

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades & Extraction Workers

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Government Property Inspectors & Investigators

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

  • Gary - Job Corps

    San Marcos, Texas

  • Oneonta - Job Corps

    Oneonta, New York

ACT & College

There are currently no college programs for this career.

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Conventional (Organizer)
    • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • Self Control
  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Initiative

Values

  • Working Conditions
  • Independence
  • Support

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Hand and Finger Use

This is what Meter Readers, Utilities across the country typically make.

$15.06 / hour
$31,320 /year

Entry Level

$22.94 / hour
$47,720 /year

Median Level

$39.50 / hour
$82,150 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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