Career Overview
Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.
Also Known As
- Meter Reader
- Meter Technician
- Water Meter Reader
- Water Use Inspector
Alternate Job Titles
- Customer Field Representative
- Damage Prevention Specialist
- Electric Meter Reader
- Facilities Technician (Facilities Tech)
- Field Service Engineer
- Field Technician
- Fieldman
- Gas Meter Reader
- Meter Installer
- Meter Reader
- Meter Reader Inspector
- Meter Reading Clerk
- Meter Record Clerk
- Meter Service Representative (Meter Service Rep)
- Meter Technician
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Inspect meters for unauthorized connections, defects, and damage, such as broken seals.
- Verify readings in cases where consumption appears to be abnormal, and record possible reasons for fluctuations.
- Report to service departments any problems, such as meter irregularities, damaged equipment, or impediments to meter access, including dogs.
- Leave messages to arrange different times to read meters in cases in which meters are not accessible.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Dig dirt away from meters to take readings.
- Install new or replace broken meters.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Perceptual Speed
- Trunk Strength
- Information Ordering
- Speech Recognition
- Far Vision
- Extent Flexibility
- Written Comprehension
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Self-Control
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Support
- Achievement
- Relationships
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Automatic meter reading systems
- Copy machines
- Dataloggers
- Desktop computers
- Digital multimeters
- Digital still cameras
- Electricity consumption meters
- Garden shovels
- Gas consumption meters
- Gas powered blowers
- Gas powered pumps
- Global positioning system GPS devices
- Groove joint pliers
- High-power flashlights
- Laser facsimile machines
Work Environment
- Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $33,980 |
| Median | $49,180 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $86,480 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 19,620
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If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.