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Water Meter Reader Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

City of North Liberty

Pool Manager

North Liberty, IA · On-site

$17.50/hr

Perform chemical, temperature, filter pressure and water meter readings and record them as required by the state health code. Complete all paperwork, including evaluations, accident reports, incident ...

Seaboard Triumph Foods

Waste Water Operator B

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

The Waste Water Operator must know/understand piping and valves, start, stop and direct the flow of ... of meter and gauge readings and reports relative to mechanical repairs and plant operations.

McDonald Mfg. Co.

Electrician - 3rd Shift

Dubuque, IA

$34.23/hr

... of water works brass, plumbing valves, water systems, natural gas valves and meter bars. The ... Ability to read/use schematics and blueprints. * Compliance with OSHA standards for a safe working ...

McDonald

Electrician - 3rd Shift

Asbury, IA · On-site

$25.25 - $32.50/hr

... of water works brass, plumbing valves, water systems, natural gas valves and meter bars. The ... Ability to read/use schematics and blueprints. * Compliance with OSHA standards for a safe working ...

Mc Donald

Electrician - 3rd Shift

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$34.23/hr

... of water works brass, plumbing valves, water systems, natural gas valves and meter bars. The ... Ability to read/use schematics and blueprints. * Compliance with OSHA standards for a safe working ...

McDonald

Electrician - 3rd Shift

Asbury, IA · On-site

$25.25 - $32.50/hr

... of water works brass, plumbing valves, water systems, natural gas valves and meter bars. The ... Ability to read/use schematics and blueprints. * Compliance with OSHA standards for a safe working ...

Mc Donald

Factory - Machinist - 3rd Shift

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$24.34/hr

... of water works brass, plumbing valves, water systems, natural gas valves and meter bars. The ... environment, read and understand blueprint drawings of parts and have the skills to utilize ...

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All JobsWater Meter Reader JobsWater Meter Reader Jobs in Iowa

Water Meter Reader information

See Iowa salary details

$22.5K

$43.6K

$77.5K

How much do water meter reader jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for water meter reader in Iowa is $43,646.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,300.00 and $47,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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 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.

Is it hard to become a water meter reader?

Becoming a water meter reader typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and the ability to read meters accurately. The job involves physical activity, working outdoors, and sometimes operating basic tools or devices, but it generally does not require extensive training or certifications.
More about Water Meter Reader jobs

What are popular job titles related to Water Meter Reader jobs in Iowa?

For Water Meter Reader jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Meter Reader jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Meter Reader jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Water Meter Reader jobs in IA?

For Water Meter Reader jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Water Meter Reader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Meter Reader job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,646 per year, or $21 per hour.

Water/ Wastewater Operator or Operator-in-Training-Clarinda

PeopleService, Inc.

Clarinda, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description
PeopleService is hiring for our Clarinda location! Clarinda is a Grade IV facility. We are looking for a Certified Operator but will hire the right candidate as a Maintenance Technician and help you get your certifications.
Up to $10,000 hiring bonus for a certified operator!
Bonus payout is dependent on certification level.
  • Responsible for safe, efficient and effective operation and maintenance of water/wastewater treatment facilities; as well as, distribution systems, collection systems and pumping facilities.
  • Monitor, observe variations and interpret the performance of all equipment, gauges, meters, control panels and charts to determine processing requirements.
  • Perform safe, preventative maintenance and repair on machinery and equipment. Update and maintain records of completed maintenance.
  • Extract samples and performs routine and non-routine laboratory tests and analysis. Assemble instruments and equipment for analytical or research work. Safely prepare chemical and bacteriological media, stains, reagents and tests solutions used in the laboratory. Clean, maintain and store instruments and equipment.
  • Maintain accurate records, reports and logging of all pertinent information required in wastewater treatment operations. Work includes preparation and submittal of necessary data and reports to other governmental agencies as required. Prepare and submit monthly operations and performance reports to region office and client as directed.
  • Performs meter reading of utility meters as required by contractual obligation.
  • Represent the company to other agencies and citizens with a courteous, helpful, accurate and business-like attitude; displays a commitment to PeopleService. Respond to customer/client complaints and resolves such complaints in a fair and expeditious manner.
  • Continually evaluate other market potential in geographic area and solicit business to expand the local project.
  • Order, store and account for chemicals, utilities, contract services, and other materials and supplies in the most cost-effective manner, including coding of invoices.
  • Ensure the general maintenance of building(s), grounds and company equipment, including vehicles and tools is performed.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Pay is dependent on experience and certification levels.

Requirements
  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Clean driving record to operate company vehicles.
  • Strong mechanical skills to repair related water/wastewater equipment, such as pumps, etc.
  • Required to live within 10-30 minutes of Clarinda.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Attendance and punctuality are essential to this position.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize the workload.
  • Required to work weekends and on-call based on a rotating schedule.

Apply