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Utilities Meter Reader

What is an Utilities Meter Reader?

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

Life As an Utilities Meter Reader

  • Connect and disconnect utility services at specific locations.
  • Report to service departments any problems, such as meter irregularities, damaged equipment, or impediments to meter access, including dogs.
  • Answer customers’ questions about services and charges, or direct them to customer service centers.
  • Report lost or broken keys.
  • 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.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Utilities Meter Reader?

Below is a list of the skills most Utilities Meter Readers say are important on the job.

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.

Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.

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.

Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.

Types of Utilities Meter Reader

  • Meter Reader Inspector
  • Gas Meter Reader
  • Utility Technician
  • Electric Meter Reader
  • Meter Technician

Job Demand for Utilities Meter Readers

There were about 34,800 jobs for Utilities Meter Reader in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Utilities Meter Reader. There will be an estimated 2,300 positions for Utilities Meter Reader per year.

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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 Salary

The salary for Utilities Meter Readers ranges between about $24,600 and $71,040 a year.

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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?

Individuals working as an Utilities Meter Reader have obtained the following education levels:

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What work experience do I need to become an Utilities Meter Reader?

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You May Also Be Interested In…

Career changers with experience as an Utilities Meter Reader sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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