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Water Meter Reader Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Supervises and/or participates in the operation of the water utility, including any ancillary operations, laboratory work, control systems, pumping stations, water mains, meter reading and devices ...

Utility Worker I

Kearney, MO · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Reads water meters, records results, and verifies registers to bill customers accurately and in a ... Report meter defects, hazards, or related findings to proper authority by generating required work ...

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Water Meter Reader information

See Missouri salary details

$22.5K

$43.6K

$77.4K

How much do water meter reader jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for water meter reader in Missouri is $43,588.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,200.00 and $47,800.00 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.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Missouri are hiring for Water Meter Reader jobs?

Cities in Missouri with the most Water Meter Reader job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Water Meter Reader job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,588 per year, or $21 per hour.

Water Service Specialist

St. Charles, MO

Saint Charles, MO

$23.23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Job Title

Water Service Specialist

Department

Public Works Department

Posting Date

February 5, 2026

Closing Date for Resumes/Applications

Open Until Filled

Salary

$23.23/ hourly

Comprehensive, Cost Effective Benefits Package:

Medical, Dental, Voluntary Vision, Life and Disability Insurance; FSA; HSA; Retirement and Deferred Compensation programs; Paid Vacation; Paid Holidays; Employee Assistance Programs and Educational Benefits.

Exempt/Non-exempt

Non-exempt

Status

Full time

The purpose of this position is to perform a variety of semi-skilled maintenance work involved in water meter replacement, leak detection, meter reading and customer service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

  • Investigate water customer service complaints.
  • Perform shut-offs and turn-ons for customers moving out or into a location.
  • Shut water off to delinquent accounts that have failed to pay for service.
  • Deal directly with the residents and property owners of the City of St. Charles, on a one on one basis.
  • Perform water leak inspections for residents and property owners of St. Charles City, inside their homes and businesses.
  • Check for underground leaks on customer and city service lines, including city water mains & fire hydrants.
  • Remove defective and old water meters. Install new meters.
  • Replace old and/or defective meter lids.
  • Perform pressure test on customer and city water lines.
  • Test and read residential and commercial water meters.
  • Serve as a meter reader when assigned to cover temporary vacancies in the meter reading crew.
  • Maintain repair and service records.
  • Will be required to carry an on-call pager/cell phone during an assigned 1 week period every three weeks throughout calendar year.
  • Work after hour emergency repairs with distribution personnel.

Minimum Training and Experience Required

  • High School diploma or GED equivalent, two (2) years' experience related to customer service, maintenance or repair or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Valid CDL class A certification, or ability to obtain one within 90 days.
  • Ability to attain a MoDNR DS-1 Certification within 6 months of hire. Retention of certificate is a condition of employment.

Physical Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

  • Ability to perform difficult manual labor for prolonged periods of time under severe weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, sleet, etc. while, either alone or in combination thereof, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, twisting, pushing, and pulling; and ability to frequently lift and carry equipment and materials weighing 50 pounds, and occasionally up to 100 pounds, a minimum distance of 10 feet.
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

How to Apply:

Online employment applications can be accessed on our City Website: www.stcharlescitymo.gov

The City of Saint Charles is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify