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Water Meter Reader Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Walks/drives assigned routes while accurately reading and recording electric, gas and water meter data. Education/Experience: High school diploma (GED). Skills/Abilities: Excellent customer relations ...

Meter Reader

Franklin, TN · On-site

$48K - $53K/yr

Turns on water for newly established accounts; terminates water service to closed accounts ... Has thorough knowledge of the policies, procedure, and activities of the City and meter reading ...

Water Restoration Technician

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Responsible for making daily adjustments to the drying plan based on meter readings * Inspects jobs ... WTR - Water Damage Restoration Technician * ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician Physical ...

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Showing results 1-20

Water Meter Reader information

See Tennessee salary details

$21.8K

$42.2K

$74.9K

How much do water meter reader jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for water meter reader in Tennessee is $42,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,100.00 and $46,300.00 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Water Meter Reader job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,176 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:
Walks/drives assigned routes while accurately reading and recording electric, gas and water meter data.  
 
Education/Experience:
High school diploma (GED). 
Skills/Abilities:
Excellent customer relations skills.  Ability to communicate clearly & concisely.  Working knowledge of Itron meter reading system a plus.
Physical Demands:
The ability to use a computer keyboard effectively. The ability to orally communicate by phone & person to person. The ability to see and read printed material. The ability to safely operate a standard equipped company motor vehicle. The ability to walk several miles per day over rough terrain.
Work Environment:
Outdoor conditions.  Brisk walking long-distances in all weather conditions.  Exposure to animals. 
Driving:
Must have and maintain a valid TN Class “D” license.
Telephone:
Must maintain an operating telephone and furnish the number to his/her supervisor.
Essential Functions: 

  • Checks meter numbers and addresses.
  • Checks meter box seals.
  • Aids in the detection of power diversion.
  • Reads meters and enters correct readings into hand-held computer to show consumption of water, wastewater, electricity and gas.
  • Assists in re-reading meters to check for accuracy.
  • Ensures that meters are registering properly; reports to supervisor defects or suspicious conditions. 
  • Reports customer complaints.
  • Interacts with the public and customers in a courteous manner.
  • Reports unusually high bills.
  • Maintains assigned routes with respect to proper reading order.
  • Operates a variety of tools and equipment including trucks, hand-held computers and hand tools.
  • Performs general maintenance duties such as: changes out electric & water meters, clears mud, debris and other matter from the meter boxes as necessary.
  • Assist Meter Shop personnel when needed.
  • Follows safety guidelines and procedures.
  • Performs additional duties as requested.