What Do Utilities Meter Reader Do?
Job Description: Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.
Life As an Utilities Meter Reader
- 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.
- Leave messages to arrange different times to read meters in cases in which meters are not accessible.
- Verify readings in cases where consumption appears to be abnormal, and record possible reasons for fluctuations.
- Report lost or broken keys.
- Collect past-due bills.
- Update client address and meter location information.
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Utilities Meter Reader Required Skills
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.
Related Job Titles
- Field Technician
- Customer Field Representative
- Meter Reader Inspector
- 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. 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.
Do Utilities Meter Readers Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Utilities Meter Readers ranges between about $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 different U.S. states?
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 do Utilities Meter Readers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Utilities Meter Readers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Data entry software
- Microsoft Windows
- Billing software
- Mapping software
Becoming an Utilities Meter Reader
Education needed to be an Utilities Meter Reader:

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

Who Employs Utilities Meter Readers?

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

Related 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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