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Water Meter Reader Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

City of Kalamazoo

Water Meter Servicer

Kalamazoo, MI

$19.81 - $22.01/hr

Examples of Duties Reads water meters as required; investigates and solves customer complaints; sets and removes meters; Works on meter vaults and boxes; keeps records and prepares reports. While ...

City of Kalamazoo, MI

Water Meter Servicer

Stockbridge, MI · On-site

$19.81 - $22.01/hr

Examples of Duties Reads water meters as required; investigates and solves customer complaints; sets and removes meters; Works on meter vaults and boxes; keeps records and prepares reports. While ...

City of Troy Michigan

Utilities Meter Technician

Troy, MI · On-site

$31.54 - $33.47/hr

DUTIES • Perform work with water meters: reading, repairing and installing. • Provide customer ... PREFERENCES • Water meter installation, testing, and troubleshooting experience. • (1) year of ...

AAR

EH&S Specialist (Environmental)

Cadillac, MI · On-site

Waste-Perform satellite hazardous waste inspection, set-up satellite stations; water meter reading; monitor the outfall to comply with requirements within the NPDES permit. Maintain records for ...

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All JobsWater Meter Reader JobsWater Meter Reader Jobs in Michigan

Water Meter Reader information

See Michigan salary details

$20.9K

$40.5K

$71.9K

How much do water meter reader jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for water meter reader in Michigan is $40,502.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,800.00 and $44,500.00 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.
More about Water Meter Reader jobs
What are popular job titles related to Water Meter Reader jobs in Michigan? For Water Meter Reader jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Meter Reader jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Water Meter Reader jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Water Meter Reader jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Water Meter Reader job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Water Meter Reader jobs in MI? For Water Meter Reader jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Water Meter Reader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Meter Reader job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,502 per year, or $19.5 per hour.
Water Meter Servicer

Water Meter Servicer

City of Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo, MI

$19.81 - $22.01/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Description/Distinguishing Features The employee in this class is responsible for the prompt and accurate reading and repair of water meters on a system-wide basis. Performs specialized work involving the reading, removal, installation, inspection, maintenance, repair and testing of commercial and residential water meters as well as related work as required under the general supervision of the Water Distribution Supervisor. Examples of Duties Reads water meters as required; investigates and solves customer complaints; sets and removes meters; Works on meter vaults and boxes; keeps records and prepares reports.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a vehicle and outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to cold, windy, wet and/or humid conditions. Essential Qualifications Thorough knowledge of water meter reading practices.

Good knowledge of the street system of Kalamazoo City and service area. Collects readings from water meters utilizing the City's most current reading technology or by walking or driving the established routes. Maintains and records readings on handheld reading equipment or PC tablet.

Identifies and reports irregularities, defects, or damages to meters and follows-up with utility meter reading exception lists and resolves any exceptions as quickly as possible; prepares work requests or work orders as necessary. Completes and tracks service requests or work orders related to water meters, meter boxes, lids and meter pits, or other water related issues as assigned. Keeps all meters clear of debris, grass brush or any obstructions.

Performs disconnections and reconnections of water meters for collections purposes. Updates and maintains accurate records on the locations of water service meters and fire hydrants. Uses proper safety equipment and personal protective equipment, (PPE) as required.

Understands and properly uses the current meter reading software to collect and report meter readings and helps to keep equipment up-to-date and fully operational. Responds to all customer billing service requests in a timely manner. Performs other duties as assigned.

Acceptable Training and Experience Graduation from high school or equivalent and six (6) months of related experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by the State of Michigan. The City of Kalamazoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization where different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and encouraged. Studies have shown that women and people of color, are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all of the qualifications listed. The City of Kalamazoo is most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background.

If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it. This approach will give each current and potential employee the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to the City of Kalamazoo.

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