Meter Readers, Utilities
Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.
What it pays
Meter Readers, Utilities earn a median of $23.15/hr — about $48,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $16.69/hr; the top 10% earn $41.31/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
Meter Readers, Utilities earn a median of $23.15/hr — about $48,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $16.69/hr; the top 10% earn $41.31/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- 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.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).
The feel of the work
Much of the work happens outdoors; much of the day is spent working solo. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 0% of meter readers, utilities are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are organized and detail-focused and hands-on.
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Quick questions
- How much does a meter readers, utilitie make?
- The median pay is $23.15 per hour — roughly $48,000 a year, with the real range running from about $16.69/hr (10th percentile) to $41.31/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a meter readers, utilitie?
- The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).
- What does a meter readers, utilitie actually do all day?
- 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.
Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.