Meter Readers
O*NET title: Meter Readers, Utilities
Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.
Also called: Electric Meter Reader, Field Technician (Field Tech), Gas Meter Reader, Meter Installer, Meter Reader, Meter Reading Clerk
Median pay
$48,150
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$34,720 – $85,930
People employed
19,430
Holland code
CRI
Conventional · Realistic · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 2.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 4.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Long hours on your feet
Meter Readers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (39 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What meter readers do
- 01Read electric, gas, water, or steam consumption meters and enter data in route books or hand-held computers.
- 02Upload 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.
- 03Walk or drive vehicles along established routes to take readings of meter dials.
- 04Verify readings in cases where consumption appears to be abnormal, and record possible reasons for fluctuations.
- 05Install new or replace broken meters.
- 06Inspect meters for unauthorized connections, defects, and damage, such as broken seals.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from meter readers
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners81% · +4%
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators75% · +25%
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers74% · +22%
- Gas Plant Operators73% · +82%
- Locomotive Engineers73% · +69%
Change into meter readers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation70% · $46,340
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service68% · $39,280
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity66% · $59,050