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Utility Meter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Salem, OR

Utility Meter Reader

Salem, OR · On-site

$26.78 - $32.57/hr

As a Utility Meter Reader, you'll play a key role in supporting the City of Salem's water services. You'll make sure accurate water usage data for customers by reading meters on assigned routes and ...

City of Salem

Utility Meter Reader

Salem, OR

$26.78 - $32.57/hr

As a Utility Meter Reader, you'll play a key role in supporting the City of Salem's water services. You'll make sure accurate water usage data for customers by reading meters on assigned routes and ...

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Utility Meter information

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$15

$40

$71

How much do utility meter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility meter 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.

What is a utility meter?

A utility meter is a device used to measure the consumption of utilities such as electricity, gas, or water in homes, businesses, or other facilities. These meters record the amount of the utility used so that providers can bill customers accurately. Modern utility meters may be read manually or remotely, and some are equipped with smart technology that enables real-time monitoring and reporting. Utility meters play a crucial role in resource management and help both utilities and consumers track usage and identify opportunities for conservation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a utility meter reader?

To thrive as a Utility Meter Reader, you need attention to detail, basic math skills, and physical stamina, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with handheld data collection devices, GPS systems, and sometimes basic computer software is required. Strong communication skills, reliability, and the ability to work independently help individuals excel in this role. These abilities ensure accurate meter readings, efficient route completion, and positive interactions with customers, which are crucial for utility operations.

What are some common challenges utility meter readers face during their daily routes, and how can they overcome them?

Utility 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. Navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods, interacting with customers, and ensuring accurate readings are also common challenges. To overcome these, it’s important to wear appropriate attire, use digital tools provided by employers, maintain clear communication with customers, and follow established safety protocols. Strong organizational skills and adaptability can help make the daily route more efficient and less stressful.

What is the difference between Utility Meter vs Utility Meter Technician?

AspectUtility MeterUtility Meter Technician
CertificationsNone typically requiredOften requires technical certifications or training
Work EnvironmentDevice or system level, often in utility facilitiesFieldwork, installing, maintaining meters on-site
Employer & IndustryUtility companies, energy providersUtility companies, contractors, service providers
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding what a utility meter isDifferences between a device and a technician role

Utility meters are devices that measure energy or water consumption, while utility meter technicians are professionals who install, maintain, and repair these meters. The technician role involves technical skills and certifications, whereas the utility meter itself is a hardware component used within the utility industry.

How to become a utility meter technician?

To become a utility meter technician, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or an apprenticeship in electrical or utility work. Relevant skills include knowledge of electrical systems, proficiency with testing tools, and the ability to read technical diagrams; some employers may require certification or licensing depending on the region. On-the-job training is common, and technicians often work in outdoor environments with varying schedules.

Is it hard to become a utility meter reader?

Becoming a utility meter reader generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. The job involves reading meters, often using handheld devices, and may require a valid driver's license for travel between locations. Training is usually provided on the job, and physical stamina is important for success in this role.
More about Utility Meter jobs

What cities are hiring for Utility Meter jobs?

Cities with the most Utility Meter job openings:

What states have the most Utility Meter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Utility Meter jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Utility Meter jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Utility Meter jobs are:

Utility Meter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utility Meter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,593 per year, or $40.2 per hour.

Utility Meter Reader

Salem, OR • On-site

City of Salem, OR
See more jobs at City of Salem, ORexternal

$26.78 - $32.57/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Salary: $26.78 - $32.57 Hourly
Location : 1457 23rd St SE Salem, OR
Job Type: Fulltime-Career
Job Number: 26-0514-02
Department: Public Works Department
Org: PW Ops Account Maintenance
Opening Date: 08/17/2026
Closing Date: 8/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Summary
Make an impact:
As a Utility Meter Reader, you'll play a key role in supporting the City of Salem's water services. You'll make sure accurate water usage data for customers by reading meters on assigned routes and documenting service needs for repairs or inspections. Your work helps maintains the City's water infrastructure and provides essential services to the community. You'll also interact with customers in the field, answering their questions and resolving concerns, making a direct impact on their experience with City services.
Learn and grow:
This position offers opportunities to develop your skills in customer service, technology, and field operations. You'll gain hands-on experience with water meter reading equipment, troubleshooting issues, and working with a diverse community. The City of Salem values growth and will support you in building your knowledge and abilities to advance your career.
What you will do:
In this role, you'll spend most of your day in the field reading water meters using handheld devices or manual methods. You'll document service needs for meters and meter boxes that require inspection or repair. You'll also interact with customers to answer questions, address concerns, and resolve issues when meter access is limited. Additional duties include performing shutoffs or reinstating water services as directed, responding to after-hours service calls, and maintaining City equipment and vehicles. Your work ensures accurate billing and helps keep the City's water services running smoothly.
Additional information on job responsibilities:
  • Frequent contact with utility customers and the public.
  • Walk or drive assigned routes to read and collect water meter data, document service needs, and ensure accurate billing.
  • Inspect meters and meter boxes to identify issues such as damage, obstructions, leaks, or unauthorized connections, and report findings for further investigation or repair.
  • Respond to after-hours service calls, perform water service shutoffs or reinstatements, and maintain City equipment and vehicles used in daily operations.
  • Utility Meter Readers must exercise independent judgement in completing tasks as well as work in a team environment when needed to complete routes based on tight deadlines.
What can we offer you for all your hard work?
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
  • Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
  • Competitive pay.
  • Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
  • Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
  • Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
  • Voluntary long-term care.
  • Employee wellness program.
  • Employee assistance program.
  • Employee health clinic.
  • Position schedule is 7:00 am- 3:30 pm and 6:00 am - 2:30 pm.
  • The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials.

What are the minimum qualifications?
  • Must pass the pre-employment background check.
  • Must have an Oregon Driver's License, or the ability to obtain an Oregon license within 30 days of residency and meet the City of Salem's driving standards.
  • Graduation from high school or completion of General Education Development (GED) test, and one year customer service or any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job functions.
Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to give detailed information in your application that includes your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as requested in the supplemental questions and job advertisement.
What you will bring along:
  • Knowledge of water meter reading operations, equipment, and technology, with the ability to accurately collect and record data using handheld devices or manual methods.
  • Strong customer service skills to effectively communicate with a diverse community, resolve concerns, and maintain composure in stressful situations.
  • Ability to follow instructions, prioritize tasks, and maintain accurate records while fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace.

About us:
Salem is the second largest city in Oregon and the capital city. Centrally located in the Willamette Valley, Salem is 49 square miles in size and extends across to counties, Marion and Polk. The community has well-established neighborhoods and carefully preserved historic buildings with wide diversity and a family-friendly ambiance. The city is home to nearly 180,000 residents. For a full community profile detailing demographics and housing statistics, visit the
The City of Salem organization has eight primary departments: Community Services, Finance, Fire, Enterprise Services, Legal, Police, Public Works, and Community Planning and Development. Several departments also have functional divisions within their department. The City of Salem employs roughly 1,350 talented and dedicated staff members and works collaboratively with five labor unions.
The Salem Police Department is the fourth largest agency in Oregon. We are a full-service department with myriad special teams and career advancement opportunities. In November 2020, the department moved into a modern 104,000-square-foot facility with many amenities for employees, featuring purposeful efficiency design for operations and amenities that promote employee wellness.
The Public Works Department values employees and their professional development. If you are someone that takes pride in collaborating on innovative ideas, proactively responding to community needs, and being a good environmental and financial steward, we look forward to meeting you! The Public Works Department promotes a healthy work life balance, while maintaining the utmost dedication to the health, safety, and welfare of our community, including our team!
The Urban Renewal Agency and the Salem Housing Authority are separate municipal corporations. The Agency contracts with the City for services and the Authority is led by the Housing Administrator within the Urban Development department.
Where can I find out more about the position?
Go to the menu option for Class Specifications and search for Utility Meter Reader or view by
How can I apply?
The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for our available job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to everyone. The City of Salem is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and has a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to, and learning from each other, we are better able to serve the community.
To apply, click on the green "Apply" button to complete your application.
Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications as outlined above but not selected for this position may be placed on an eligibility list, and candidates may be hired from the list. Eligibility lists are valid for six months. The City will send email notifications to eligible candidates about potential hiring opportunities so please ensure your email settings accept our system generated email notifications.
You may subscribe for automatic notification of job openings at the City of Salem through the - sign up today!
For more information about employment at the City of Salem, please visit our website at
This announcement is not an implied contract and may be modified or revoked without notice.
For benefits information, please, go to:
01
What is your highest level of education? We encourage you to include supporting details in your application.
  • N/A
  • High school graduate or GED
  • Some College
  • Associate's degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree
  • Doctorate degree

02
How many total years of professional experience do you have performing utility field work, water meter testing, repair, and/or meter reading? We encourage you to include supporting details in your application.
  • No experience
  • Less than 1 year experience
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • More than 4 years

03
How many years of experience do you have specifically with utility field work? We encourage you to include supporting details in your application.
  • No experience
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • More than 4 years

04
How many years of experience do you have specifically with reading meters? We encourage you to include supporting details in your application.
  • No experience
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • More than 4 years

05
How many years of customer service experience do you have? We encourage you to include supporting details in your application.
  • No experience
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • More than 4 years

06
How many years of experience do you have making in-person contact with the public? We encourage you to include supporting details in your application.
  • No experience
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • More than 4 years

07
How many years of professional experience do you have driving or walking a route? You are encouraged to describe your experience in your application.
  • No experience
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • More than 4 years

08
Please select meter hardware/equipment you have one or more years of experience with. We encourage you to include supporting details in your application.
  • None
  • Hand-held Meter Reading Device
  • Touch Read AutoGun
  • Water Meter
  • Curb Stop Key

09
Please select each software program you have one or more years of experience with. You are encouraged to describe your use of these programs in your application.
  • None
  • MS Excel
  • MS Word
  • Hansen
  • Sensus
  • AutoRead

Required Question

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