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Electric Meter Reader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Meter Reader I

Bentonville, AR · On-site

$15.97 - $17.57/hr

None SUMMARY Reads electric and water utility meters and records volume used by residential and ... Utilizes meter reading and billing software and associated devices to record meter readings and ...

$37K/yr

The employee performs inspection, maintenance, and servicing of electric meters and related ... meter reading activities and other related field assignments to support utility operations.

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Electric Meter Reader information

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$15

$40

$71

How much do electric meter reader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for electric meter reader in the United States is $40.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.25 and $52.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do meter readers make good money?

Electric meter readers typically earn a median annual wage that is around the national average for public service workers, with salaries varying by location and experience. The job often requires physical stamina and attention to detail, and some positions offer benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

Is meter reading still a job?

Yes, meter reading is still a job performed by utility workers who visit properties to record electricity, gas, or water usage. Although some companies are adopting digital meters and remote reading technology, many positions still require manual meter reading, especially in areas without advanced infrastructure. The role often involves physical activity, basic technical skills, and adherence to safety protocols.

Is it hard to become a meter reader?

Becoming an electric meter reader typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and involves physical activity, such as walking and climbing. Training on reading meters and safety procedures is provided, and some positions may require a valid driver's license. Overall, it is considered an entry-level position with moderate training requirements.

What are some common challenges Electric Meter Readers face in the field, and how can they be managed?

Electric Meter Readers often work outdoors in varying weather conditions and may encounter difficult-to-access meters, such as those behind locked gates or obstructed by landscaping. Managing these challenges involves effective communication with property owners, careful route planning, and adherence to safety protocols. Many companies provide training and support to help meter readers handle these situations efficiently, ensuring accurate readings and maintaining customer satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Electric Meter Reader, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Electric Meter Reader, you need basic math skills, attention to detail, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with handheld data collection devices, GPS systems, and sometimes a valid driver’s license is typically required. Strong time management, customer service, and problem-solving abilities help you efficiently navigate routes and address customer inquiries. These skills ensure accurate meter readings, reliable data collection, and positive customer interactions, which are vital for utility operations.

How to get a job as a meter reader?

To become a meter reader, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license. The job involves reading utility meters, often requiring physical stamina and basic math skills, and may require passing a background check and training on safety procedures and meter reading equipment.

What Does an Electric Meter Reader Do?

As an electric meter reader, you are responsibilities involve reading utility meters and recording usage at residences and commercial buildings. You inspect meters to ensure they are not damaged, note defects or irregularities, and verify kWh readings. You walk or drive to each location and enter data into a database. You may connect or disconnect power services at specific locations. Your duties as an electric meter reader may also include collecting past-due payments, answering customer questions, updating client information, and leaving messages to clients to schedule meter reading date and time. You are also responsible for reporting meter reading issues to service departments.

What is the difference between Electric Meter Reader vs Gas Meter Reader?

AspectElectric Meter ReaderGas Meter Reader
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; training on meter readingHigh school diploma; training on gas meter reading and safety
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, residential and commercial areasOutdoor, residential and commercial areas, with safety protocols
Employer & IndustryUtility companies, energy providersGas utility companies, energy providers
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to similar reading tasks and environmentsRelated but involves different safety and technical considerations

The Electric Meter Reader and Gas Meter Reader roles share similarities in work environment and employer industry, both requiring basic training and working outdoors. However, gas meter readers need additional safety awareness due to the nature of gas utilities. Both positions are essential for utility companies to ensure accurate billing and service delivery.

What does an Electric Meter Reader do?

An Electric Meter Reader is responsible for visiting homes and businesses to read and record the numbers on electric meters. These readings are used by utility companies to calculate customer energy usage and generate accurate bills. Meter readers typically travel to multiple locations each day, ensure readings are accurate, and report any issues with meters. In some cases, they may use handheld devices or smartphones to record and send data electronically.
What cities are hiring for Electric Meter Reader jobs? Cities with the most Electric Meter Reader job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Electric Meter Reader jobs? The most popular types of Electric Meter Reader jobs are:
What states have the most Electric Meter Reader jobs? States with the most job openings for Electric Meter Reader jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Electric Meter Reader jobs? For Electric Meter Reader jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Electric Meter Reader job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,593 per year, or $40.2 per hour.

$15.97 - $17.57/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Safety/Security Status: None


SUMMARY Reads electric and water utility meters and records volume used by residential and commercial consumers by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
include the following. Reporting relationships,


work assignments, and work schedules may be subject to change in order to meet City needs or operationalrequirements. Attendance at work and the ability to get along with the public, supervisors, and co-workers are essential elements of this position. Other duties may be assigned.

Walks or drive vehicle over established routes and records reading from assigned meter registers and resets/reseals demand reset devices as necessary.

Participates in collecting monies or disconnect services in the field for assigned portion of approximately 1,800 accounts per year that are in arrears.

Participates turning service on or off, for assigned portion of approximately 10,300 work orders a year.

Utilizes meter reading and billing software and associated devices to record meter readings and transfer of readings for account billing of assigned portion of 55,000 meters each month.

Must be able to participate in rotating weekly after-hours stand-by schedule within the department.

Inspects meters, enclosures, and connections for defects, damage and unauthorized connections; ensures meter enclosures are properly sealed for safety and security.

Indicates irregularities for necessary action.

Operates vehicle in a courteous and safe manner at all times.

Maintain, records, tools, vehicles, equipment and work areas in clean, orderly and safe manner.

Promote positive image of City by being courteous and appropriate behavior.

Verifies readings to locate abnormal conditions, consumptions and attempt to determine reasons for unusual fluctuations.

Maintains awareness of surroundings and reports any new meters along assigned route not in meter reading device.

Must be able to learn and utilize aspects of the city's automated meter reading system including field and office

components.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and six (6) months to one (1) years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.


MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.

REASONING ABILITY Able to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

COMPUTER SKILLS Must have demonstrated skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook or other similar software and have the ability to learn and operate in a variety of software programs.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

  • Must have a valid drivers license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is also regularly required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and to occasionally taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. This position requires the incumbent to perform a significant amount of walking and climbing over uneven ground in all kinds of weather. The incumbent is also required to safely operate a City motor vehicle over various types of terrain and in all kinds of weather. Additionally, the incumbent must also frequently crawl, stoop, and bend while locating and reading meters. There are also periods of prolonged sitting and driving in City vehicles.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.



We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.