Meter Readers

Career summary

#No alternate titles CJ

Meter readers read electric, gas, steam, and water meter dials. They record the volume customers use. Meter readers may turn metered services on or off.

Sometimes meter readers find readings are too high or too low. They inspect meters to make sure they are functioning properly and do not have unauthorized connections. When they find problems with meters, meter readers fill out forms so the service department will fix them.

Meter readers walk or drive around their routes. They may answer customer questions and update information as needed.

New meters in many cities are computerized. Meter readers scan these meters and a portable computer records the amount used.

Related careers

This career is part of the Business Management and Administration cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Couriers and Messengers
• Freight Handlers
• Mail Carriers
• Parking Enforcement Officers
• Parking Lot Attendants
• Route Salespeople
• Shipping and Receiving Clerks

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to meter readers.

• Take readings of meter dials.
• Upload collected data into hand-held computers or return route book to business offices.
• Inspect meters for defects, damage, and unauthorized connections.
• Verify readings of abnormal consumption and record reasons for fluctuations.
• Indicate irregularities on forms so service department will investigate.
• Turn service off for non-payment of charges or on for new occupants.
• Walk or drive trucks to cover routes.
• Connect or disconnect utility services at specific locations.
• May answer customer questions. Update client address and meter location information as needed.

Common work activities

Meter readers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Document and record information
• Get information needed to do the job
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Process information
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Handle and move objects
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Perform for or work with the public
• Use computers
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Evaluate information against standards

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, meter readers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a very low level of social contact. However, they may have to deal with rude or angry customers from time to time.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
• Communicate with others usually in face-to-face discussions.
• May work as part of a group or team.

Physical work conditions

• Nearly always work outdoors, but may work indoors to do paperwork.
• Often wear a special uniform. They may wear safety or protective attire.
• Are sometimes exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures when working outdoors.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations and contaminants.
• May have to get into awkward positions to reach cramped work spaces.
• Travel to and from work sites in an enclosed vehicle.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors could cause customers to pay too much.
• Often repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Sometimes independently make decisions that affect others. They often consult supervisors before deciding a course of action.
• Determine some of their daily tasks or goals, but often get directions from supervisors.
• Must meet strict daily and weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a standard 40-hour week.
• Schedules are typically regular.

Physical demands

Meter readers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.

It is important for meter readers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for meter readers to be able to:

• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• See objects in very low light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.

Skills and abilities

Meter readers need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.

Perceive and visualize

• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Office Support

Training

To work as a meter reader, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required beyond high school.

On-the-job training

Meter readers learn their skills on the job. Training lasts from several days to one month, depending on the difficulty of the job. You work with an experienced meter reader until you learn the procedures and the route.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Driver Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers prefer applicants who have experience with computers. Employers also look for applicants who have good communication skills.

A valid driver's license is usually required and some employers prefer applicants who are bondable and insurable. Employers look for workers who are in good physical condition and like to work outdoors, have the ability to navigate through all types of terrain, and have good organizational skills. Workers must also be prepared to handle possible encounters with dogs while reading meters.

#Ability to deal with and not be afraid of dogs cited in two job announcements I found online 3/22/05.CJ

Tips

An understanding of billing processes, paperwork, and office procedures is helpful. Experience as a laborer for utility construction or in related areas, or a part-time or summer job as a substitute, is also helpful. The ability to remain calm when working with upset clients is important. Take community college classes related to the utility field in which you wish to work.

Costs to workers

Workers may have to purchase a pair of good walking shoes. They may also be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and monthly dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Meter Readers, Utilities 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country.

Meter readers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Electric, gas, and water companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is declining. Technological advances are reducing the need for meter readers. Computerized meters allow readers to access information from a distance. Thus, workers can access information from in front of a house rather than go to the meter in back. This allows readers to cover more area each day. In addition, some new meters send the meter reading directly to the company. Thus, meter readers are not even needed in these areas.

Despite the decline, there will be openings as some workers who leave this occupation are replaced.

Other resources

Utility Workers Union of America 
1300 L Street NW, #1200
Washington, DC 20005
202.899.2851

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

Work for Water: Great Careers for a Great Cause 
(Includes information on jobs for water meter readers)

References

Career cluster

• Business Management and Administration

Career path

• Conventional (Business Operations)

O*Net  occupation

• Meter Readers, Utilities (43-5041.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupation

• Meter Reader (209.567-010) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Conventional/Realistic/Enterprising
• Conventional/Realistic/Social

COPSystem

• Outdoor