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Water Meter Reader Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

City of Franklin

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 ...

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 28, 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.
More about Water Meter Reader jobs

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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 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.

Meter Reader

City of Franklin

Franklin, TN • On-site

$48K - $53K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description
City of Franklin
Starting Pay: $48,789 - $53,094/Annually
Please click the link below for Benefits Information:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:daea3470-95cc-4286-8a1e-fd08549bf6d0
I. Purpose of Job
Reads water meters to determine water usage.
II. Essential Job Duties
A. Reading meters
  • Reads water meters to determine water usage; rechecks readings if consumption is irregular.
  • Turns on water for newly established accounts; terminates water service to closed accounts; interrupts water service to overdue accounts.
  • Inspects water meters for any irregularities and proper functionality. Makes repairs and services meters as needed.
  • Interacts with customers while on route.

III. Other Job Duties
Performs other job duties as assigned, including:
  • Perform related duties and responsibilities to assist other employees in the department as required or as assigned.
  • This position does not require ability to be On-Call and participate in required emergency response On-Call rotations.

IV. Primary Job Challenges
Primary challenges of this position include reading over 18,000 meters within a given time frame as well as working long shift hours, as needed.
V. Equipment Operated
Motor vehicle and handheld computer equipment
VI. Key Competencies Required
  • Job Content Knowledge:

Has thorough knowledge of the policies, procedure, and activities of the City and meter reading practices as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Meter Reader. Has comprehensive knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods utilized within the department. Is knowledgeable and proficient with computers.
  • Language Skills:

Read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Write simple correspondence. Effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, vendors, and other employees of the organization.
  • Mathematical Skills:

Add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.
  • Reasoning Ability:

Apply common sense understanding to carry out multi-step instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Deal with problems by choosing from several known choices with frequent reliance on how problems were dealt with before.
  • Teamwork:

Develops constructive and cooperative working relationships with others. Encourages others to express their ideas and opinions. Provides input into identifying and solving problems. Anticipates need of others for information about job tasks and work environment and provides it to them in a timely manner. Willingly assists others with job tasks when appropriate.
VII. Physical Demands and Work Environment
Physical Demands: Performance of the essential duties of this job requires the incumbent to:
  • Must remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
  • Regularly move between different worksites.
  • Frequently positions self to maintain work area and items needed to complete daily tasks.
  • Regularly communicates information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
  • Occasionally ascends/descends ladders.
  • Regularly moves/transports up to 50 pounds.
  • Rarely moves/transports over 100 pounds.
  • Occasionally stoops, kneels, crawls, or crouches

Work Environment: Performance of the essential duties of this job requires:
  • Regular exposure to fumes or airborne particles
  • Regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions
  • Occasionally works in high, precarious places
  • Regular work near moving mechanical parts
  • Rarely works with toxic or caustic chemicals
  • Regularly works near vibration
  • Regular exposure to wet or humid conditions (non-weather).

The work environment is: Loud (examples: metal can manufacturing department, large earth-moving equipment, light vehicle traffic)
Minimum Requirements
VIII. Qualifications
Education and Experience:
The required knowledge, skill, and abilities to satisfactorily perform job duties are normally acquired through attainment of a High School Diploma or GED; and one to three months related experience and/or training or equivalent combination.
Required Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver's License

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