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Water Meter Reader Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

ServiceMaster

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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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 11, 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 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.

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.
More about Water Meter Reader jobs
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:
Water Meter Reader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Meter Reader job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,176 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Meter Reader

City of Johnson City, TN

Johnson City, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

The City of Johnson City, Tennessee is currently accepting applications for a Meter Reader with the Water & Sewer department. Performs intermediate field clerical work in reading water meters and recording consumption; does related work as required. The main responsibility of positions in this class is the accurate reading and recording of water consumption of utility customers. The work includes keeping records on standard forms so that billings can be made properly. Employees follow designated routes, receive specific work instructions and refer unusual questions to a superior for decisions.

Essential Functions of Position:

  • reads water meters on an assigned route and records readings;
  • makes inspections to see that meters are functioning properly and reports any defects to a superior;
  • connects and disconnects meters, transfers water service;
  • works cut off list;
  • conducts meter checks, re-reads;
  • occasionally participates in the installation of meters;
  • may substitute as Utility Service Worker during emergency conditions;
  • walking for extended periods to read water meters;
  • observes safety policy and requirements
  • assist customers by responding to inquiries
  • performs related tasks as required.

Requirements for Education and Skills: General working knowledge of the geography and street location of the City; ability to write legibly; ability to make simple arithmetical calculations rapidly and accurately; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public; good health and physical condition to permit walking all day under varying climatic conditions.

Acceptable Experience and Training: Completion of high school or GED and some experience in work providing familiarity with a water utility or equivalent; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Pre-employment physical, drug screening and background check required.

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