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Trainee Meter Reader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PPL Corporation

Meter Technician-Trainee

PA · On-site

Commissions, troubleshoots and maintains Automated Meter Reading Substation Communication Equipment and other AMR equipment. Develops and maintains PPL watthour standards and associated shop ...

CPS Energy

Trainee Shop

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Meter Operations is responsible for the testing and maintenance of all metering sites used to ... Reading and Math Aptitude test to be considered for an interview A valid Texas driver's license ...

City of Vernon

Water Operations Trainee

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$58K - $70K/yr

Job Summary WATER OPERATIONS TRAINEE MONTHLY SALARY: $4,852 - $5,898 PLUS, AN EXCELLENT BENEFITS ... Performs meter reading for utility billing. Loads and unloads materials, equipment, and supplies.

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Trainee Meter Reader information

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How much do trainee meter reader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee meter reader in the United States is $19.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $4000 a week without a degree?

A Trainee Meter Reader typically earns less than $4,000 weekly, as entry-level positions in utility reading often pay around $15-$25 per hour. High-paying jobs that can reach $4,000 a week without a degree are rare and usually involve specialized skills, such as commercial truck driving with a commercial driver's license (CDL), sales roles, or skilled trades like plumbing or electrical work, which may require certifications but not necessarily a college degree.

What is the difference between Trainee Meter Reader vs Meter Reader?

AspectTrainee Meter ReaderMeter Reader
QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training providedHigh school diploma or equivalent; experience may be preferred
Work EnvironmentSupervised training, outdoor work, customer interactionOutdoor work, reading meters at various locations
Job ResponsibilitiesLearn meter reading procedures, assist senior staffRead meters, record data, report discrepancies

The main difference is that a Trainee Meter Reader is in training and gaining skills, while a Meter Reader is an experienced professional performing the job independently. Trainees focus on learning procedures, whereas Meter Readers handle daily readings and customer interactions.

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 attention to detail, and may require passing a background check and training on safety procedures and meter reading tools.

Is it hard to become a meter reader?

Becoming a trainee meter reader typically involves a high school diploma or equivalent and basic math skills. The job requires physical activity, attention to detail, and familiarity with reading meters and recording data, but it generally does not require extensive training or certifications.

What does a typical day look like for a Trainee Meter Reader, and what are some common challenges faced in this role?

As a Trainee Meter Reader, your day usually involves traveling to various residential and commercial properties to record gas, electricity, or water meter readings. You'll spend much of your time outdoors, often working independently and walking significant distances. Common challenges include navigating difficult weather conditions, handling inaccessible meters, and managing time efficiently to meet daily targets. You'll also interact with customers, so good communication skills are important. The role provides valuable field experience and can lead to advancement opportunities within utility companies.

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

To thrive as a Trainee Meter Reader, you generally need a high school diploma, basic math skills, and a valid driver’s license. Familiarity with handheld digital meter reading devices and mobile data entry systems is often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and good communication skills help you interact with customers and accurately record data. These abilities ensure accurate meter readings, efficient service, and positive customer interactions vital to utility operations.

What are trainee meter readers?

Trainee meter readers are entry-level employees who are responsible for visiting residential and commercial properties to record utility meter readings, such as electricity, gas, or water usage. As trainees, they receive on-the-job training to accurately read meters, report usage data, and identify potential issues like faulty meters or signs of tampering. This role typically involves working outdoors, traveling between locations, and interacting with customers. The data collected by meter readers is essential for utility companies to generate accurate bills and monitor resource usage.

Do meter readers make good money?

Meter readers typically earn an average annual salary that varies by location and experience, with many positions paying around $30,000 to $50,000. The job often requires physical stamina and attention to detail, and some roles offer benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Meter Reader jobs? The most popular types of Meter Reader jobs are:
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Trainee Meter Reader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Meter Reader job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,077 per year, or $19.7 per hour.
Meter Technician-Trainee

Meter Technician-Trainee

PPL Corporation

Hazle Township, PA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 24 days ago

PPL rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 50 rated energy and utility

Job description

Company Summary Statement
PPL Electric Utilities delivers safe, reliable and affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million homes and businesses throughout its 29-county service territory in eastern and central Pennsylvania. Through smart investments and innovation, it has built one of the most advanced electric grids in the United States. And, with over a century of expertise, PPL Electric remains focused on continuing to build the utility of the future, today. Regularly ranking among the country's best utility companies for reliability and customer satisfaction, PPL Electric has won numerous awards, including 30 J.D. Power Awards for providing top-quality service to residential and business customers. PPL Electric is a major employer and an active supporter of the communities it serves. Empowering employees, community members and initiatives across its service territory through volunteerism and investments in organizations that support education, sustainability, and wellbeing.
Overview

Performs adjustment, calibration, testing, maintenance and repair of interchange, generation, IPP and complex I & C customer metering equipment. Commissions, troubleshoots and maintains Automated Meter Reading Substation Communication Equipment and other AMR equipment. Develops and maintains PPL watthour standards and associated shop equipment. Assists Metering Support  Engineers/Managers in various technical functions.


Responsibilities
  1. Inspects, adjusts, repairs, tests, verifies connections and constants; makes phase angle measurements and maintains the electric meters and metering systems, instruments, demand meters, instrument transformers and various accessories used primarily for installations measuring power interchange with other utilities, IPPs, Industrial & Commercial customers and Generating Stations.
  2. Develops and maintains PPL specific TOU / RUG Meter programs, including holiday schedules, TOU rate periods, load control relay operation. Interacts directly with manufacturers and vendors to resolve problems associated with meter programming. Programs and maintains AMR and multi-function meters used on the PPL system.
  3. Provides technical expertise to support new and ongoing changes/updates/modifications to the meter data acquisition software and hardware for the meter reading system that is used for revenue billing information for PPLs largest customers.
  4. Maintains the Radian Research RS-703A standardization system, associated transfer standards and meter test boards.
  5. Troubleshoots, repairs and maintains shop test equipment and associated computer
  6. Maintains thorough knowledge of and follows applicable rules associated with the Company’s energy control process, safety rulebook, environmental regulations, OSHA regulations, practices safe work methods and uses required personal protective equipment. Holds permits for the safe performance of work.
  7. Makes arrangement for testing with Owner Department and System Operators, coordinating work with local forces as necessary. Interacts with customers and manufacturers representatives as required.
  8. Collects field data on PPL side of the meter for power quality investigations in substations and at customer sites. This work entails the recording of data and then providing technical input for data analysis and recommended solutions as required. Assists FS Engineers with investigations on the customer side of the meter as required.
  9. Performs repairs and calibrations of field test equipment and maintains associated test procedures, calibration software and updates files for the instrument calibration consoles.
  10. The following duty pertains to AMR Substation Communication Equipment (SCE). Commissions, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs the electronic components of the Automated Meter SCE. This includes but is not limited to, working cooperatively with AMR Operations to use software tools to perform substation configuration, equipment and outage prioritization, error code analysis (notification and exception logs for example), running set queries. Develops procedures and performs acceptance testing for SCE.  Maintains, troubleshoots and resolves remote communication equipment issues including using software applications to troubleshoot and resolve substation communication equipment issues including the utilization of software applications to evaluate conditions, diagnose problems and initiate corrective actions, including modem banks.  Advises and instructs Field Services employees in the maintenance and repair of the AMR substation physical/electrical components.
  11. Provides technical input required to update and create new Meter Department Instructions (MDI’s) as assigned. The MDIs provide technical guidance to the Field Services field personnel.
  12. Performs such other related duties as assigned or as necessary.

Qualifications
  1. Graduate of a 2-year Electronic Engineering Technology or Electrical Engineering Technology degree program from a school/program which has been accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation agency. PPL’s Engineering Aide Qualifying Exam will be used to screen internal candidates who do not meet the minimum entry degree requirements for the position.
  2. Successful completion of each year of the company's "Training and Development Program for Meter Technicians".
  3. Must have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
  4. Ability to obtain Permit and Tag (Energy Control Process) certification required to perform the job duties listed above.
Qualifications:
  1. Graduate of a 2-year Electronic Engineering Technology or Electrical Engineering Technology degree program from a school/program which has been accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation agency. PPL’s Engineering Aide Qualifying Exam will be used to screen internal candidates who do not meet the minimum entry degree requirements for the position.
  2. Successful completion of each year of the company's "Training and Development Program for Meter Technicians".
  3. Must have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
  4. Ability to obtain Permit and Tag (Energy Control Process) certification required to perform the job duties listed above.
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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