Occupation · SOC 43-5041
Meter Readers, Utilities
Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.
Median wage
$49,180
$33,980–$86,480
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
19,620
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
0 mapped
Core skills
Time ManagementSpeakingService OrientationReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive ListeningOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingSocial PerceptivenessActive LearningWritingJudgment and Decision MakingCoordinationTroubleshootingPersuasionInstructingQuality Control AnalysisNegotiationMathematicsLearning StrategiesManagement of Personnel ResourcesSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisRepairingEquipment MaintenanceProgrammingManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesEquipment SelectionTechnology DesignOperations AnalysisScienceInstallation
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServicePublic Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguageMathematicsMechanicalComputers and ElectronicsAdministration and ManagementAdministrativeTransportationBuilding and ConstructionEducation and TrainingPhysicsLaw and GovernmentEngineering and TechnologyDesignTelecommunicationsChemistryProduction and ProcessingPersonnel and Human ResourcesCommunications and MediaBiologyForeign LanguageGeographyEconomics and AccountingPsychologySales and MarketingMedicine and DentistryFood ProductionTherapy and CounselingPhilosophy and TheologySociology and AnthropologyFine ArtsHistory and Archeology
Technology & tools
Billing softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsGraphing softwareMapping softwareMeter reading softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareWord processing software
Representative tasks
Documenting/Recording InformationGetting InformationOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentPerforming General Physical ActivitiesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsProcessing InformationCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationHandling and Moving ObjectsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicWorking with ComputersMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsScheduling Work and ActivitiesAnalyzing Data or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersTraining and Teaching OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsThinking CreativelyControlling Machines and ProcessesAssisting and Caring for OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentCoaching and Developing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentSelling or Influencing OthersMonitoring and Controlling Resources
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Meter dials and digital displays — read and record consumption figures under direct supervision on an assigned residential route.Hand-held computer data entry — input meter readings into route software following step-by-step protocols provided by a supervisor.Established route maps — follow pre-planned walking or driving paths to locate utility meters at residential and commercial sites.Meter seals and enclosures — inspect for obvious signs of damage or tampering under close guidance from an experienced reader.Abnormal consumption readings — recognize and flag unusual figures for supervisor review during initial on-the-job training.Customer access barriers — leave written notices at inaccessible meters to arrange alternate reading times according to standard templates.Collected route data — upload hand-held computer information to the office system at end-of-shift following documented upload procedures.Safety protocols — apply basic public-safety rules, such as dog-awareness procedures, when approaching meter locations on a utility route.Route books and printed records — complete paper-based entries accurately when electronic devices are unavailable on a field assignment.Verbal reports — communicate simple field observations about meter condition or access problems to a supervisor at the end of a daily round.
developing
Daily meter routes — complete assigned electric, gas, water, and steam reading rounds independently within required time windows.Hand-held computer workflows — manage full data collection, review, and office upload processes at end of shift with minimal oversight.Consumption anomalies — verify irregular readings by re-reading the meter and recording probable causes such as leaks or seasonal changes.Meter irregularities and equipment defects — report broken seals, damaged components, or unauthorized connections to the service department using standard forms.Route vehicle operations — drive or walk established utility routes efficiently, adjusting pace to meet daily scheduling requirements.Inaccessible meter situations — independently draft and leave access-arrangement notices and follow up to ensure readings are captured within billing cycles.Service connection and disconnection tasks — perform utility connect and disconnect procedures at designated locations following utility safety guidelines.Geographic information system tools — use GIS-based route software to confirm meter locations and navigate unfamiliar sections of an assigned territory.Customer interactions — respond to resident questions about meter access or reading schedules using clear, professional spoken communication.Field data accuracy — cross-check recorded readings against historical consumption patterns and correct entry errors before uploading to the billing system.
proficient
Complex consumption investigations — analyze multi-month usage patterns across electric, gas, and water meters to identify billing discrepancies or equipment faults without supervisory guidance.Unauthorized service connections — detect, document, and escalate tampered or bypassed meters to security and service departments following utility compliance procedures.Multi-modal route management — self-direct both walking and vehicle-based rounds across large or mixed-density service territories, balancing speed and accuracy independently.End-to-end data integrity — oversee the full cycle from field reading through hand-held upload to database verification, resolving data conflicts before billing runs.Non-routine access solutions — negotiate meter access with property owners, property managers, or local authorities when standard notice procedures have failed.Service connection operations — execute utility connect and disconnect tasks at challenging or non-standard installations, applying critical thinking to site-specific safety conditions.Field technology troubleshooting — diagnose and work around hand-held device, GIS software, or billing system malfunctions to maintain uninterrupted route completion.Safety hazard identification — assess and document environmental, animal, or structural impediments at meter sites and recommend remediation to facility or safety teams.Route performance reporting — compile accurate spreadsheet and database reports on read rates, missed reads, and equipment issues for management review.Cross-functional communication — coordinate with billing, engineering, and customer-service departments to resolve escalated meter problems affecting multiple accounts.
advanced
Territory-wide reading standards — establish meter-reading protocols, accuracy benchmarks, and safety procedures adopted across all routes in the utility service area.Workforce development — design and deliver on-the-job training programs that bring new meter readers to competency within the required vocational timeline.Technology adoption strategy — evaluate and recommend hand-held computer systems, GIS platforms, and automated meter infrastructure to improve operational efficiency.Regulatory and compliance oversight — ensure all field reading and service connection practices align with public-safety regulations, utility tariffs, and audit requirements.Performance metrics framework — develop key performance indicators for read accuracy, route completion rates, and defect reporting, and drive continuous improvement across the team.Escalation and exception management — lead resolution of systemic billing errors, widespread meter failures, or utility fraud cases requiring coordination across departments.Scheduling and resource planning — direct route assignments, vehicle deployment, and staffing levels across a multi-reader team to meet seasonal demand and service-level agreements.Stakeholder communication — present field operations data and infrastructure recommendations to senior utility management and external regulatory bodies using reporting and presentation tools.Safety culture leadership — champion a culture of cautiousness and integrity in field operations, conducting safety audits and enforcing protocols that protect staff and the public.Organizational knowledge management — document institutional knowledge of routes, meter configurations, and access agreements into GIS and database systems to support business continuity.
Also known as
27 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Customer Field RepresentativeDamage Prevention SpecialistElectric Meter ReaderFacilities Technician (Facilities Tech)Field Service EngineerField TechnicianFieldmanGas Meter ReaderMeter InstallerMeter ReaderMeter Reader InspectorMeter Reading ClerkMeter Record ClerkMeter Service Representative (Meter Service Rep)Meter TechnicianMetermanService WorkerSteam Meter ReaderUtilities TechnicianUtility LocatorUtility Meter TechnicianUtility Service WorkerUtility TechnicianUtility WorkerWater InspectorWater Meter ReaderWater Use Inspector