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Gas Meter Reader Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Gas Meter Reader information

See California salary details

$11

$19

$32

How much do gas meter reader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for gas meter reader in California is $19.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a gas meter reader?

To thrive as a Gas Meter Reader, you need attention to detail, basic math skills, physical stamina, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with handheld data entry devices, GPS systems, and company-specific meter reading software is important. Strong time management, reliability, and customer service skills set top performers apart. These abilities ensure accurate data collection, efficient route completion, and positive customer interactions, all of which are vital for utility operations.

How to get a gas meter reader job?

To become a gas meter reader, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and good communication skills. Employers often require physical ability to access meters in various environments and may conduct background checks. Applying through utility companies or public service agencies and demonstrating reliability and attention to detail are important steps in securing the position.

How do you become a gas meter reader?

To become a gas meter reader, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a background check. Training on reading meters, safety procedures, and the use of handheld devices is usually provided on the job, and physical stamina is important for walking and climbing to access meters.

What does a gas meter reader do?

A Gas Meter Reader is responsible for visiting residential, commercial, or industrial properties to record the readings on gas meters. These readings are used by utility companies to calculate customer usage and generate accurate billing. Gas Meter Readers may also inspect meters for signs of damage or tampering, report irregularities, and sometimes perform minor maintenance. The job typically involves working outdoors and requires strong attention to detail and good customer service skills.

What is the difference between Gas Meter Reader vs Utility Worker?

AspectGas Meter ReaderUtility Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, training on meter readingVaries; may include certifications for electrical, plumbing, or general utility work
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, residential and commercial locationsOutdoor and indoor, various utility sites
Industry UsagePrimarily utility companies for gas servicesBroad utility sector including water, electricity, and gas
Search & Comparison IntentYes, comparing roles in utility industryYes, broader utility roles

The Gas Meter Reader primarily focuses on reading gas meters in residential and commercial settings, requiring specific training and working outdoors. Utility Workers have a broader scope, often handling multiple utility services and performing maintenance or repairs. Both roles are essential in the utility industry, but Gas Meter Readers specialize in meter reading tasks within the gas sector.

What are common challenges faced by gas meter readers, and how can they be managed?

Gas Meter Readers often encounter challenges such as navigating difficult weather conditions, accessing meters in hard-to-reach or hazardous locations, and dealing with uncooperative customers. To manage these challenges, it's important to adhere to safety protocols, use proper personal protective equipment, and maintain effective communication with both team members and customers. Many companies provide detailed training and support systems to help meter readers handle these situations efficiently, ensuring both safety and accurate data collection.
What cities in California are hiring for Gas Meter Reader jobs? Cities in California with the most Gas Meter Reader job openings:
Gas Meter Reader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gas Meter Reader job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,539 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Meter Maintenance Person

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

San Francisco, CA

$34.53/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Pacific Gas and Electric Company rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 53 rated energy and utility

Job description

Requisition ID # 173079 

Job Category: Maintenance / Construction / Operations 

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Energy Delivery

Work Type: Onsite

Job Location: San Francisco

Department Overview

The Electric Operations ensure the delivery of safe and reliable electric service to our customers. Electric Operations is responsible for every aspect of PG&E's electric distribution and transmission operations, including planning, engineering, maintenance and construction, asset management, business planning, restoration and emergency response.

Position Summary

Open positions are in San Francisco, Oakland, Marysville, Woodland, and Richmond however, additional locations and classifications could become available at any time based on business needs.This job posting will be utilized to fill open Meter Maintenance Person positions withinall regionsof our service territory. 

This is an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1245 represented classification, which has over 100 years of experience representing employees at PG&E. This job is subject to collective bargaining. The Meter Maintenance Person position is a physical job that interacts with and performs quality services on behalf of PG&E's customers. Over the course of a six month training period, they will learn how to install, program, exchange and troubleshoot residential electric meters and gas communication modules related to billing measurement.

This position may be a DOT (Department of Transportation) covered classification and is subject to random drug and/or alcohol screening.

PG&E is providing the hourly rate that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This position is subject to collectively bargained hourly wage rates and increases. The starting wage rate for this position is $34.53 per hour.  This wage rate is specific to the locality of the job. The wage rate is based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, collective bargaining agreements, and internal equity. 

Available positions are planned for the following locations: Hayward, SLO, Marysville, San Francisco, Fresno, Oakland, Peninsula, Salina, and San Rafael,  These locations may be subject to change due to business needs, but available locations will be in the PG&E service territory.

Responsibilities

  • Install, maintain, read, program, upgrade, replace/change gas meter communication modules and single phase electric meters on residential services
  • Operate basic network and metering software, hardware and computer systems
  • Identify broken seals, diversion, meter tampering, vandalism, lost meters and other instances of energy theft
  • Use hands in a dexterous manner to manipulate various tools and perform repairs as needed
  • Turn off and Shut-Off Non-Pay (SONP) residential gas and electric single phase self-contained meters; electric turn on and Restore Lock Non-Pay (RLNP).
  • Maintain a high standard of employee and public safety, public relations, and personal appearance.
  • Collects data and verifies meter/module information.
  • Conducts Connect/Disconnect switch resets and turns meter and module radios on and off.
  • Identifies broken seals, diversion, meter tampering, vandalism, lost meters and other instances of energy theft.
  • Installs, maintains, reads, programs or re-programs, upgrades and replaces or changes gas modules and single phase self-contained electric meters maximum 240-volt, 200-amp, socket meters without bypass, and replace batteries in single phase electric meters.
  • Traces-out electric meters (using circuit breakers only).
  • Assists others in Metering work, performs necessary paperwork and shop duties.
  • Verifies meter connectivity to the testing device and only verifies meter communication with other devices on the network by using a limited FSU with just those commands necessary to perform the duties on the population of meters the Meter Maintenance Person can maintain.
  • DOT-Operations/Maintenance AND Emergency

Qualifications

Minimum:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must possess a High School diploma, GED or equivalent work experience
  • Must possess a valid California Driver's License
  • Ability to work in all types of weather extremes
  • Ability to drive safely in all weather and road conditions
  • Ability to work flexible schedules, extended hours, nights, weekends, and/or overtime (scheduled or ad hoc)

Desired:

  • 1+ year experience as a Hiring Hall T300 Installer
  • 1+ year experience as a Hiring Hall Meter Reader
  • Demonstrated experience with hand tools (e.g. wrenches, drills, cordless drill/screwdrivers and pliers)
  • Technical Certification, Associates or Bachelor's degree in Electronics or Electrical Systems

Pre-Employment Testing

PG&E Employees: You must have qualified on all prerequisite tests prior to submitting an application; and all secondary tests prior to interviewing. For more information on prerequisite and secondary exams, including study guides, please visit the Pre-employment testing program website.

  • Industrial Skills Test
  • Physical Test Battery

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