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Water Meter Reader Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Laboratory Technician

Dover, DE · On-site

$17.59 - $26.39/hr

Good reading and writing skills * Ability to comprehend and work with numerical data * Analyzing ... Water testing equipment: PH meter and colorimeter. Physical Demands: * Frequent standing, sitting ...

Good reading and writing skills * Ability to comprehend and work with numerical data * Analyzing ... Water testing equipment: PH meter and colorimeter. Physical Demands: * Frequent standing, sitting ...

Laboratory Technician

Dover, DE · On-site

$17.59 - $26.39/hr

Good reading and writing skills * Ability to comprehend and work with numerical data * Analyzing ... Water testing equipment: PH meter and colorimeter. Physical Demands: * Frequent standing, sitting ...

Intermediate Restoration Technician

Newark, DE · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

The development of the Water Damage Specialist at the intermediate level has four (4) objectives ... Demonstrate ability to draw a sketch, read floor plan, complete a Moisture Content Log, complete a ...

Water Meter Reader information

See Delaware salary details

$24K

$46.5K

$82.6K

How much do water meter reader jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for water meter reader in Delaware is $46,508.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,500.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to become a meter reader?

Becoming a water meter reader typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and the ability to read maps and use basic tools. The job involves outdoor work, physical activity, and attention to detail, but it generally does not require extensive training or certifications. The difficulty varies depending on the employer and location, but it is often considered an entry-level position.

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

To thrive as a Water Meter Reader, you need attention to detail, basic math skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with handheld data collection devices, GPS systems, and utility billing software is typically required. Strong communication, time management, and problem-solving skills help you interact with customers and efficiently handle route schedules. These abilities ensure accurate readings, timely reporting, and excellent customer service, which are vital for efficient utility operations.

What Does a Water Meter Reader Do?

As a water meter reader, your job is to support the utilities of your area by reading residential, commercial, industrial, and park water meters to ensure correct billing. To support this, you may provide repair and customer service, and monitor the water network for problems. In this job, you often use hand-held computers to input data about meters, code violations, needed repairs, and hazardous conditions. Other times, you talk with business owners and maintenance engineers, confirm earlier readings for unusually high or low results, and use equipment to search for toxic gases. Most readers check up to 500 water meters each day.

What is the difference between Water Meter Reader vs Water Service Technician?

AspectWater Meter ReaderWater Service Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training on meter readingHigh school diploma; may require certifications in plumbing or water systems
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, reading meters at customer locationsIndoor and outdoor; repairing and maintaining water systems
Employer & IndustryWater utility companies, municipalitiesWater utility companies, plumbing services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that Water Meter Readers primarily focus on reading and recording water usage data, often outdoors at customer sites, while Water Service Technicians handle repairs, maintenance, and troubleshooting of water systems. Both roles are essential in water utility operations but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

How to be a water meter reader?

To become a water meter reader, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and good communication skills. The job involves reading meters at customer locations, often using handheld devices or mobile data collection tools, and may require physical activity such as walking or climbing. Training is usually provided by the employer to familiarize new employees with safety procedures and meter reading techniques.

Is meter reading still a job?

Yes, meter reading remains a job in many utility companies, where workers are responsible for recording water, gas, or electricity usage. The role typically involves outdoor work, using handheld devices or electronic meters, and may require a valid driver's license and physical stamina.

What are some common challenges faced by Water Meter Readers and how can they be managed?

Water Meter Readers often work outdoors in varying weather conditions, which can pose physical challenges such as extreme heat, cold, or rain. Additionally, navigating private properties and dealing with potential obstacles like locked gates or pets require professionalism and problem-solving skills. Time management is crucial, as meeting daily or weekly reading targets is a key responsibility. Building a routine, staying organized, and adhering to safety protocols can help manage these challenges effectively.

What does a Water Meter Reader do?

A Water Meter Reader is responsible for visiting residential, commercial, and industrial properties to record water usage by reading water meters. They ensure accurate meter readings, report any irregularities or signs of leaks, and sometimes handle minor maintenance tasks. The data they collect is used by water utilities to generate customer bills and monitor water consumption. Water Meter Readers often work outdoors in various weather conditions and may interact with customers to answer basic questions about their water usage.

How much do water meter technicians make?

Water meter technicians typically earn an average annual salary between $40,000 and $60,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often perform tasks such as reading, maintaining, and repairing water meters, sometimes requiring certification or specialized training.
What are popular job titles related to Water Meter Reader jobs in Delaware? For Water Meter Reader jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Meter Reader jobs in Delaware look for? The top searched job categories for Water Meter Reader jobs in Delaware are:
What cities in Delaware are hiring for Water Meter Reader jobs? Cities in Delaware with the most Water Meter Reader job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Water Meter Reader jobs in DE? For Water Meter Reader jobs in DE, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Water Meter Reader job openings in Delaware as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% 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 $46,508 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
Water/Wastewater Operator

Water/Wastewater Operator

Middlesex Water Company

Millsboro, DE • On-site

$48K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Middlesex Water Company rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Water/Wastewater Operator

Are we RIGHT for you?

The word RIGHT stands for what we VALUE: Respect, Invest, Growth, Honesty and Teamwork.

Why join our team?

Tidewater Utilities, Inc. has been Delaware’s premiere water company since 1964. We have created a work environment that promotes professional development and finding your passion. We understand the importance of our services and the individuals who uphold our reputation.

Joining our team means that you have a multitude of benefits that support you in and out of the workplace such as- full medical, dental, and vision benefits, 401k, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, and more. To learn more, please visit www.middlesexwater.com/tidewater-utilities.

Job Summary:

The Water/Wastewater Operator reports to the District Senior Operator and District Manager. This position operates company owned and contractually operated water/wastewater treatment facilities and supply plants within the service District(s).

Work Performed:

Maintain and repair water/wastewater treatment plants, pumps, collection systems, and distribution systems.

  • Operate municipal, industrial water, and wastewater treatment facilities.
  • Enter process data electronically into company database using field computing equipment.
  • Review and sign State Monthly and Annual Discharge Monitoring Reports as required by law.
  • Respond to customer complaints and inquiries for other departments.
  • Provide field support for billing, meter reading, and collection staff.
  • Provide labor and support for the Senior Operator.
  • Perform water / wastewater analysis using field / lab equipment provided
  • Perform microscopic evaluation of wastewater samples.
  • Perform preventive maintenance, calibration of chart recorders, analyzers, and programming of VFD’s and PLC’s
  • Respond to Miss Utility tickets and uses Company GIS to identify emergency locations.
  • Troubleshoot minor mechanical, piping, electrical, and electronic systems/controls.
  • Evaluate problems and implement process adjustments to biological, chemical, and physical processes.
  • Take bacteriological samples as assigned by Senior Operator or District Manager.
  • Monitor system processes using SCADA.
  • Lifts chemical which are approximately 50 pounds.
  • May be required to work and be licensed in multiple states.
  • Must adhere to Company and customer safety policies/ procedures and use of appropriate PPE.
  • Shall be required to be on-call and/or work weekends and shifts as scheduled.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent, required.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Good reading and writing skills.
  • Ability to comprehend and work with numerical data.
  • Able to perform basic Algebra.
  • Good overall mechanical skills.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret data.
  • Familiar with MS Word and MS Excel.
  • Able to use basic hand tools.
  • Able to use electrical Multi-meter.
  • Must possess Delaware Base Level Drinking Water License
  • Must possess a Delaware Level II Wastewater License to perform Multi-plant operations or be able to obtain within one year.
  • Must also obtain all treatment endorsements applicable to the District assigned.

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Salary Range: $48,880 - $72,299.20 annually, based on experience and qualifications.
  • Total Rewards Package Includes: - Medical, dental, and vision coverage (effective first of the month after hire).
  • 401(k) with company match.
  • Company paid life and disability insurance.
  • Paid time off and 12 paid holidays.
  • Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any and all employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  • The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, stooping, crouching, or bending.
  • The employee frequently lifts light or heavy objects, uses tools and equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color and utilizes the sense of smell.
  • The work is typically performed while indoors or outdoors, sometimes in cold inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, hazardous chemicals, and machinery with moving parts.
  • The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.
  • Requires respirator clearance consisting of medical evaluation questionnaire, fit testing and physical exam.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

  • Climbing ability.
  • Visual acuity.
  • Manual dexterity
  • Normal hearing.
  • Walking ability.
  • Must be able to smell.

Work Authorization & Pre-Employment Requirements

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. All candidates must successfully pass a drug screen, pre-employment physical, background check, and possess a valid driver’s license in good standing (if required for the position). Additionally, must be cleared by Department of Defense to access government facility.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Positions

For positions requiring a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), the use of marijuana (including medical marijuana) or any controlled substances, whether prescribed or otherwise, is strictly prohibited under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Such use is a violation of federal law and will disqualify candidates from CDL-required positions.

Pay Transparency

This job posting complies with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Law (effective June 1, 2025), which requires employers to disclose salary ranges, benefits, and other compensation in job advertisements.

Recruitment Fraud Alert

We have noticed an increase in recruiting impersonations across the industry, where scammers attempt to obtain candidates’ personal or financial information through fake interviews and offers.


All legitimate communications from Middlesex Water Company and its subsidiaries will originate from the following email domains: @msg.clrco.com or @clearcompany.com.
Any outreach claiming to be from Middlesex Water Company or its subsidiaries that does not come from these domains should be ignored.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Middlesex Water Company and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Applicant Communication

Please note: No phone calls, please.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.


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