Meter Readers, Utilities

What the job really is

Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.

At a glance

• Sector: Office & Administrative
• O*NET-SOC code: 43-5041
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Answer customers' questions about services and charges, or direct them to customer service centers.
• Update client address and meter location information.
• Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on meters.
• Report lost or broken keys.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, Automatic meter reading systems, Billing software, Copy machines, Dataloggers, Desktop computers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
• Power Distributors and Dispatchers
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
• Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
• Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
• Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
• Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Meter Readers, Utilities — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.