Median pay
$49,180
Median annual pay for Meter Readers, Utilities.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Office and Administration
Meter Readers, Utilities
Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.
10-year growth
-12%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings
1,300
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment
20,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Meter Readers, Utilities in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost
-2,400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Active Listening
- 2Critical Thinking
- 3Reading Comprehension
- 4Speaking
- 5Monitoring
- 6Active Learning
Knowledge areas
- 1Customer and Personal Service
- 2Public Safety and Security
- 3English Language
- 4Mathematics
- 5Mechanical
- 6Computers and Electronics
Abilities
- 1Near Vision
- 2Oral Comprehension
- 3Oral Expression
- 4Information Ordering
- 5Perceptual Speed
- 6Trunk Strength
Career interests
- 1Conventional
- 2Realistic
- 3Investigative
- 4Social
- 5Enterprising
- 6Artistic
Work styles
- 1Dependability
- 2Attention to Detail
- 3Integrity
- 4Cautiousness
- 5Self-Control
- 6Perseverance
Work activities
- 1Documenting/Recording Information
- 2Getting Information
- 3Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- 4Performing General Physical Activities
- 5Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- 6Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Work context
- 1Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- 2Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- 3Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- 4In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- 6Exposed to Contaminants
Representative tasks
- 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.
- Connect and disconnect utility services at specific locations.
Software and tools
Microsoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyBilling softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsGraphing softwareMapping softwareMeter reading software
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.