What is an Utilities Meter Reader?
Example of Utilities Meter Reader Job Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.
Utilities Meter Reader Responsibilities
- Answer customers’ questions about services and charges, or direct them to customer service centers.
- Report lost or broken keys.
- Collect past-due bills.
- Update client address and meter location information.
- Report to service departments any problems, such as meter irregularities, damaged equipment, or impediments to meter access, including dogs.
- Read electric, gas, water, or steam consumption meters and enter data in route books or hand-held computers.
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Skills Needed to be an Utilities Meter Reader
When polled, Utilities Meter Readers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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 Jobs
- Steam Meter Reader
- Meter Reader Inspector
- Water Use Inspector
- Fieldman
- Meterman
Job Demand for Utilities Meter Readers
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 34,800 jobs in the United States for Utilities Meter Reader. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Utilities Meter Reader. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 2,300 job openings in this field each year.

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.
Average Utilities Meter Readers Salary
Utilities Meter Readers make between $24,600 and $71,040 a year.

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 |
What Tools & Technology do Utilities Meter Readers Use?
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
Becoming an Utilities Meter Reader
Are there Utilities Meter Readers education requirements?

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

Where Utilities Meter Readers Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Similar Careers
Career changers with experience as an Utilities Meter Reader sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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