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Water Meter Reader Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Sanitation Technician (61096)

Hood River, OR · On-site

$17.13 - $18.69/hr

Collect water samples once a week, calibrate pH meter three times a week to be compliance with the ... Basic reading, oral, and written communication skills. * Ability to follow instructions and ...

Petroleum Services Technician - Albany

Albany, OR · On-site

$22.25 - $26/hr

Perform on-site fuel polishing and conditioning: filtration, water and sediment removal, and ... repair card reader hardware and software (coordinating with the manufacturer for software)

Petroleum Services Technician - Albany

Albany, OR · On-site

$22.25 - $26/hr

Perform on-site fuel polishing and conditioning: filtration, water and sediment removal, and ... repair card reader hardware and software (coordinating with the manufacturer for software)

Showing results 21-25

Water Meter Reader information

See Oregon salary details

$25.4K

$49.1K

$87.2K

How much do water meter reader jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for water meter reader in Oregon is $49,130.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,600.00 and $53,900.00 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Water Meter Reader job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,130 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

$50K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform maintenance, repair, and construction activities on City utility systems including wastewater, storm drainage, and water facilities.

  • Inspect and evaluate the functioning of systems such as pumping stations, meters, streets, and drainage systems, and respond to related complaints.

  • Operate various equipment including trucks, street sweepers, backhoes, loaders, and other tools to support maintenance and construction tasks.


Job description

General Statement of Duties For best consideration, apply by July 27, 2026; applications received after this date are not guaranteed a review. Performs a variety of unskilled to skilled maintenance work, and operates a variety of equipment in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of City wastewater, street maintenance, and storm drainage, buildings and grounds facilities, and other utility systems. Maintains a variety of records relating to inspections, maintenance activities, system cleaning etc.

Inspects pumping stations, meters, streets, drainage systems and sewer system at frequent intervals to ensure that all aspects of the systems are functioning properly. Responds to complaints regarding wastewater plugs or spills, sewer odor, plugged catch basins and storm drainage, high water, grounds or facility problems, street hazards, etc.; evaluates situations and explains findings to Lead Worker, Foreman, Public Works Operations Supervisor or Water Utility Supervisor. Contacts residents and business owners in areas affected by maintenance activities where service will be interrupted and explains when service will be shut off and how soon it will be turned back on

Determines the location of gas, telephone, power, television, water, wastewater and stormwater lines from the appropriate sources (call for locates, 811) prior to excavation. Locates City owned/operated underground utility lines and facilities including wastewater, stormwater and water lines. Ensures the proper maintenance of equipment and tools by cleaning and checking equipment and tools after use.

Drives trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling and unloading of various equipment, gravel and sand. Operates street sweeper, backhoe/loader, vactor, tractors, mowers and loaders as assigned. Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refer defects or needed repairs to the Supervisor; clean and check equipment and tools after use.

Performs all duties in conformance with appropriate safety and security standards. Performs required labor involved in construction and maintenance of projects as part of a crew, in maintenance, repair and construction of the street, wastewater, stormwater, and facility systems. Performs required activities including pavement cutting and removal, asphalt installation and repair, concrete pouring and finishing, utility ditch digging and cleaning, construction of manholes and catch basins, cleaning of wastewater, stormwater and water mains, manhole cleaning and repair, wastewater and stormwater main and pipe repair, laying and back-filling.

Operates equipment of the Public Works Department, including dump trucks, backhoe, tractor, mower, tiller, sewer machine etc. in performing a variety of tasks in the street and sewer division of the Public Works Department. Performs maintenance and repair work on all City buildings.

Duties include, plumbing work, mechanical work, carpentry work, cement work, painting and janitorial work, etc. Assists in the maintenance and repair work at the sewage lift stations. Assists in the training of employees to increase their skill in the areas of maintenance, construction and repair.

Maintains assigned tools and equipment. As a Utility Worker in the Public Works Maintenance Department, employee is considered a "First Responder" which is considered essential personnel. This means in the event City offices close due to inclement weather, etc., employee is still required to report to work for scheduled shift, as well as any overtime or extra hours required

Must be available for occasional on-call duty to respond to Public Works emergency calls. Employee may be required to work overtime at the discretion of the Public Works Operations Supervisor. Employee may assist in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of City water distribution and water treatment facilities and systems and may perform routine clerical and semi-skilled utility work in the reading and operation of utility meters.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Reasonable knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods, and procedures used in maintenance, construction, and repair activities. Skill in operation of some of the listed tools and equipment. Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods; ability to work safely; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments and the public; ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.

Ability to perform and record arithmetic computations accurately and quickly; ability to accurately read and record data from various types of meter dials; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to work in inclement weather; ability to establish successful working relationships; ability to work with angry or difficult customers. Minimum Qualifications Utility Worker I: Graduation from high school or GED equivalent, and Any equivalent combination of education and experience. Utility Worker II: Graduation from high school education or GED equivalent, and Two (2) years of experience working with a water or wastewater system, general construction and maintenance, or experience in performing a variety of building maintenance functions including plumbing, carpentry, electrical and painting work.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience. Special Qualifications Required Special Qualifications Utility Worker I: Must possess or be able to obtain by time of employment a valid Oregon Driver License with an acceptable driving record; Commercial Driver License (Class B) required within 12 months of hire; Wastewater Collection Systems Operator 1 or higher required within 6 months of hire Salary range for this position is $4,231.67 - $5,148.48/mo. depending on experience and qualifications (plus a cost of living adjustment which will be determined once a successor union contract is signed)

Utility Worker II: Must possess or be able to obtain by time of employment a valid Oregon Driver License with an acceptable driving record; Commercial Driver License (Class B) required within 12 months of employment. Certification from the State of Oregon as a Wastewater Collection System Operator II. Additionally, the Utility Worker II position is eligible for a certification incentive for possession of a Wastewater Collection System III Certification from the State of Oregon.

Salary range for this position is $4,760.06 - $5,791.34/mo. depending on experience and qualifications (plus a cost of living adjustment which will be determined once a successor union contract is signed).