What is an Utilities Meter Reader?
Career Description Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.
What Do Utilities Meter Readers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Read electric, gas, water, or steam consumption meters and enter data in route books or hand-held computers.
- Leave messages to arrange different times to read meters in cases in which meters are not accessible.
- 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.
- Verify readings in cases where consumption appears to be abnormal, and record possible reasons for fluctuations.
- Collect past-due bills.
- Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on meters.
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Skills Needed to be an Utilities Meter Reader
These are the skills Utilities Meter Readers say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Types of Utilities Meter Reader
- Electric Meter Reader
- Steam Meter Reader
- Water Meter Reader
- Meter Reader
- Meter Record Clerk
Is There Going to be Demand for Utilities Meter Readers?
In the United States, there were 34,800 jobs for Utilities Meter Reader in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Utilities Meter Reader. The BLS estimates 2,300 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Utilities Meter Reader are Alaska, Nevada, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Colorado, New Hampshire, or Wyoming. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Utilities Meter Reader Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Utilities Meter Readers is somewhere between $24,600 and $71,040.

Utilities Meter Readers who work in Delaware, Massachusetts, or New Hampshire, make the highest salaries.
How much do Utilities Meter Readers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $38,920 |
Alaska | $59,040 |
Arizona | $51,690 |
Arkansas | $29,180 |
California | $61,010 |
Colorado | $60,130 |
Connecticut | $59,240 |
Delaware | $57,780 |
Florida | $38,090 |
Georgia | $37,480 |
Hawaii | $49,500 |
Idaho | $51,560 |
Illinois | $53,110 |
Indiana | $41,730 |
Iowa | $46,680 |
Kansas | $43,820 |
Kentucky | $36,240 |
Louisiana | $27,740 |
Maine | $39,210 |
Maryland | $44,510 |
Massachusetts | $61,540 |
Michigan | $43,320 |
Minnesota | $54,190 |
Mississippi | $30,260 |
Missouri | $39,720 |
Montana | $55,740 |
Nebraska | $46,390 |
Nevada | $58,920 |
New Hampshire | $57,370 |
New Mexico | $37,170 |
New York | $59,670 |
North Carolina | $41,160 |
North Dakota | $49,560 |
Ohio | $45,070 |
Oklahoma | $36,380 |
Oregon | $48,920 |
Pennsylvania | $52,090 |
South Carolina | $37,280 |
Tennessee | $42,550 |
Texas | $33,610 |
Utah | $49,050 |
Vermont | $55,670 |
Virginia | $39,950 |
Washington | $48,810 |
West Virginia | $40,040 |
Wisconsin | $56,730 |
Wyoming | $49,770 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Utilities Meter Readers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Utilities Meter Readers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Data entry software
- Microsoft Windows
- Billing software
- Mapping software
How do I Become an Utilities Meter Reader?
What kind of Utilities Meter Reader requirements are there?

How Long Does it Take to Become an Utilities Meter Reader?

Utilities Meter Readers Sector

Below are examples of industries where Utilities Meter Readers work:

Similar Careers
Are you already one of the many Utilities Meter Reader in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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