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Water Meter Reader Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Ready Force Technician I | TX (DOT)

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$19.25 - $26.25/hr

About the Role The Ready Force Team Technician plays a key role in gas, water, and electric meter installation/exchange, maintenance and reading, surveying gas lines, as well as customer ...

As a specialty distributor with a focus on water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection ... reading (AMR), and data-driven technologies. As a Meter Specialist, you will serve as the go-to ...

Pool Manager

North Liberty, IA ยท 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 ...

Pool Manager

North Liberty, IA ยท 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Electrician - 3rd Shift

Dubuque, IA ยท 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 ...

... 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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Showing results 1-20

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 Jul 26, 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.

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 Iowa? For Water Meter Reader jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles 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:
Infographic showing various Water Meter Reader job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,646 per year, or $21 per hour.
Ready Force Technician I | TX (DOT)

Ready Force Technician I | TX (DOT)

ACRT

Des Moines, IA โ€ข On-site

$19.25 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Bermex, Inc.Full time Regular

About The Team

Bermex offers expert utility consulting services and solutions to utilities and associated organizations throughout the United States, including leak detection, atmospheric corrosion, line location, software service solutions, as well as water, gas, and electric meter reading and installation. At Bermex, we are always looking for motivated individuals who enjoy working independently and love the outdoors to become a part of our team.

About the Role

The Ready Force Team Technician plays a key role in gas, water, and electric meter installation/exchange, maintenance and reading, surveying gas lines, as well as customer communication. This role may also participate in atmospheric corrosion, leak surveying, or line locating. This position requires a significant amount of walking in outdoor environmental conditions, excellent time management, and flexibility. Traveling throughout the United States up to 100% of the time while supporting various projects is required.

What You'll Do
Meter Maintenance:

  • Perform visual inspections of water or electric meters for leaksor damage

  • Identify hazards at meter sites and report accordingly

  • Properly change out water or electric meters of varying sizes and brands

  • Properly change out meter registers for AMI/AMR upgrade

Meter Reading:

  • Read electric, gas, or water meters

  • Enter data collected in the field into a handheld computer

Surveying Meters and Gas Lines:

  • Detect location of underground utilities and mark accordingly

  • Inspect gas meters and associated piping for proper coatings and evidence of atmospheric corrosion

  • Perform visual inspections of gas meters, lines, and fittings

  • Grade gas leaks by severity and report escalations accordingly

  • Identify hazards at meter sites and report accordingly

  • Clean and re-coat/paint meters and piping

Customer & Team Communication:

  • Refer all consumer complaints to the appropriate authorities

  • Provide general information about the meter services to customers, when applicable

  • Use telephones, tablets, and/or computers to communicate

  • Participate in company-provided safety meetings

Key Responsibilities:

  • Proficient in at least one to two core services such as:

    • Meter reading (gas, water, or electric)

    • Small meter installation/exchange.

    • Basic gas line surveying or detection.

  • Performs under close supervision.

About You

Must haves:

  • Education: None. Must be at least 18 years of age

  • Experience: Must possess a valid driver's license. Upon hire, the candidate may need to complete and pass all Pipeline Operator Qualification (OQ) training. Applicants must have a minimum of 1 year of experience in any of these fields:

    • Electric, gas, or water meter maintenance, installation, or reading

    • Gas line detection/surveying

    • 1+ year in related field (electric, gas, water meter maintenance/installation/reading, or gas line detection/surveying).

Nice to haves:

  • Education: High School Diploma or GED

  • Experience: 1 or more years of experience in gas and/or electric services, 2+ years experience in the direct exchange of water meters and registers of varying sizes; The Ready Force Team Technician plays a key role in gas, water, and electric meter installation/exchange, maintenance and reading, surveying gas lines, as well as customer communication. This role may also participate in atmospheric corrosion, leak surveying, or line locating. This position requires a significant amount of walking in outdoor environmental conditions, excellent time management, and flexibility. Traveling throughout the United States up to 100% of the time while supporting various projects is required.

Your Skills:

  • Valid driver's license and successful completion of OQ training.

  • Ability to multi-task, and work independently and as a team

  • Exceptional flexibility in daily routines, route scheduling, and work hours

  • Adequate time management skills to finish daily tasks in a timely manner

  • Excellent communication skills, comfortable interacting with management and customers

  • Ability to interact with unhappy or negative customers in a professional manner

  • Excellent attention to detail for problem-solving and finding

  • Ability to walk long distances and appropriately prepare for weather conditions

  • Proficient computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office programs

  • Basic knowledge of GIS systems and principles

Working Conditions:

  • Outdoor working conditions

Supervisor Responsibilities:

  • None

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time

  • Repeat motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers

  • Work that includes moving objects up to 50 lbs.

  • Communication with others to exchange information. Must be able to see, read, write, and speak

  • Requires standing, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching

Travel Requirements:

% of travel time: 100

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at hr@acrtinc.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Company: ACRT, Inc.