ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Water Meter Reader Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Oak Park

Water & Sewer Worker I

Oak Park, IL

Ability to inspect, diagnose, repair and locate mechanical difficulties on a variety of mechanical equipment including water meters, remote meter reading systems. Locating and Recordkeeping * Ability ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWater Meter Reader JobsWater Meter Reader Jobs in Chicago, IL

Water Meter Reader information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$24.7K

$47.9K

$85.1K

How much do water meter reader jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for water meter reader in Chicago, IL is $47,907.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,600.00 and $52,600.00 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

What are popular job titles related to Water Meter Reader jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Water Meter Reader jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Meter Reader jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Water Meter Reader jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Water Meter Reader job openings:

Water Meter Reader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Meter Reader job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 9% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,869 per year, or $23 per hour.

Water & Sewer Worker I

Oak Park

Oak Park, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Union: SEIU Water & Sewer

Local: 73

FLSA: Non-exempt

Hours: 40.0 per week

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, perform a wide variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks in the construction, repair, cleaning and maintenance of Village water and sewer systems, metering equipment, traffic control devices and all related facilities. Employees in this class are subject to 24-hour call outs.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is an entry level class within the Water & Sewer Worker series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Water & Sewer Worker II by the performance of more routine duties. Employees must be able to operate all heavy equipment. Employees at this level receive instructions or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are expected to exercise proper judgement in selecting work methods and in planning details of the work tasks. Experienced employees at this level may perform as a Lead Worker on designated work assignments.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential duties and responsibilities

Safety

  1. Utilize proper safety work practices related to all work performed, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), shoring, confined spaces and other safety related equipment and procedures; direct and control traffic around work sites utilizing proper work zone traffic control per IDOT

Equipment and Operations

  1. Ability to operate construction and maintenance equipment such as dump trucks, front end loader, backhoe, skid steer, vactor, sewer jetter,
  1. Ability to operate jack-hammers, concrete saws, sewer rodder, sewer tv equipment; maintain hand tools and assigned equipment; identify equipment needs for each assigned
  1. Ability to perform snow removal and ice control duties as

Customer Service

  1. Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely

Sewer System Maintenance

  1. Work as part of a sewer maintenance crew; inspect and clear obstructions from storm drains, sewer lines; make sewer line connections; flush and televise

Water System Maintenance

  1. Perform the installation and maintenance of pipe laying and pipeline repairs, repair of water mains, water services, fire hydrants and valves; flush main water line and hydrants as
  1. Ability to exercise, inspect and locate difficulties on valves throughout the water distribution
  1. Ability to make service connections; tap main lines and boring for service installation; replace customer service lines in accordance with State Plumbing Codes, Illinois EPA Regulations and the Standard Specifications for Water & Sewer Construction in Illinois.
  1. Ability to inspect, diagnose, repair and locate mechanical difficulties on a variety of mechanical equipment including water meters, remote meter reading systems.

Locating and Recordkeeping

  1. Ability to locate and mark underground
  1. Accurately measure and record location of new underground facilities (water/sewer lines) and meter

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

  1. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
  1. Methods and techniques general construction, maintenance and repair related to the area of work assigned.
  1. Operational characteristics of mechanical equipment and tools used in the area of work assigned.

Ability to:

  • Perform unskilled and semi-skilled maintenance, construction and repair work in the area of work assigned.
  • Operate a variety of vehicular and stationary mechanical equipment in a safe and effective manner.
  • Perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods of time and in unfavorable weather conditions.
  • Perform heavy manual labor.
  • Work independently in the absence of supervision.
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance.
  • Establish and maintain interpersonal skills in the workplace to effectively communicate and interact with others.

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:

  • Walking or standing for extended periods of time
  • Operating assigned equipment.

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

  • Making observations
  • Communicating with others
  • Operating assigned equipment and vehicles.

Diversity Equity & Inclusion Statement

The Village of Oak Park commits itself to diversity, equity and inclusion by recognizing that creating a mutually respectful, multicultural and equitable environment does not happen on its own, it must be intentional. This includes providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, military or veteran status or any other characteristics

Apply