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Water Meter Reader Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Mr. Rooter

Restoration Technician

Colton, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Be able to read Moisture Meter * Leadership skills * Assist on start-up Qualifications: * 2+ years of experience in water damage restoration * Strong knowledge of restoration techniques and equipment

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All JobsWater Meter Reader JobsWater Meter Reader Jobs in Riverside, CA

Water Meter Reader information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$25K

$48.5K

$86.1K

How much do water meter reader jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for water meter reader in Riverside, CA is $48,479.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,100.00 and $53,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to become a meter reader?

Becoming a water meter reader typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and the ability to read meters accurately. The job often involves physical activity, working outdoors, and using basic tools or electronic devices; some positions may require a valid driver's license. Training is usually provided on the job, and the difficulty level depends on the individual's comfort with outdoor work and attention to detail.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Water meter reader jobs typically do not pay $2,000 a day; they usually offer hourly wages or salaries that are significantly lower. High-paying jobs that can reach $2,000 daily often include specialized roles such as surgeons, corporate executives, or certain high-level consultants, which require advanced skills, certifications, and experience.

How to be a water meter reader?

To become a water meter reader, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a background check. The job involves reading meters at customer locations, often using handheld devices, and requires physical activity such as walking and climbing. Some employers may provide on-the-job training and require a valid driver's license for travel between sites.

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.

Do meter readers make good money?

Water meter readers typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $30,000 to $50,000, depending on experience and location. The job often involves outdoor work, reading meters using handheld devices, and may require a valid driver's license. Compensation can vary based on employer, geographic area, and whether the position is full-time or part-time.
More about Water Meter Reader jobs
What are popular job titles related to Water Meter Reader jobs in Riverside, CA? For Water Meter Reader jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Meter Reader jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Water Meter Reader jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Water Meter Reader jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Water Meter Reader job openings:
Water Meter Reader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Meter Reader job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,479 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
Water Treatment Operator III/IV/V

Water Treatment Operator III/IV/V

City of Redlands, CA

Redlands, CA • On-site

$62K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Salary : $62,088.00 - $99,716.00 Annually
Location : Redlands, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 02072
Department: Municipal Utilities Engineering
Division: Water
Opening Date: 01/08/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Under direction to perform a variety of skilled technical duties in the operation and maintenance of the City's water treatment plants, water production equipment, and reservoirs.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
These are the journey levels in the class series. Positions at these levels perform the full range of duties as assigned, working independently and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at these levels receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from lower levels by meeting the minimum requirements, successful performance, budget availability, and management recommendation. When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have prior related experience which allows the employee to meet the qualification standards for the position level.
Examples of Duties
Examples of duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Controls water treatment plant facilities including potable and non-potable systems in accordance with all established regulations, standards, and procedures;
  • Operates water treatment plant equipment to maintain adequate water flow and proper plant functions including monitoring, sampling, and testing to prevent substandard water from entering system;
  • Monitors chemical levels in water; calculates chemical dosages and calibrates chemical feeder rates to ensure proper dosage;
  • Collects samples for chemical analysis to determine the chemical composition of water, to control quality, and to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations;
  • Operates computerized and/or manual pumps, motors, and other equipment to adjust for volume, change treatment process, or make other necessary changes;
  • Monitors gauges, meters, and charts to ensure proper plant operations; maintains logs/records of plant operations, meter/gauge readings, test results, and other data;
  • Performs general cleaning/maintenance tasks necessary to keep plant facilities, equipment, and tools in operable condition which may include inspecting and calibrating equipment, performing minor repairs, cleaning work areas and reports faulty equipment to management;
  • May assist with the providing direction to and training of new personnel; and
  • Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications
Experience
For Water Treatment Operator III:
  • Three years of water utility experience performing maintenance and routine operation duties in a water treatment plant.
For Water Treatment Operator IV:
  • Four years of water utility experience performing maintenance and routine operation duties in a water treatment plant.
For Water Treatment Operator V:
  • Five years of water utility experience performing maintenance and routine operation duties in a water treatment plant.

Education
For Water Treatment Operator III/IV/V:
  • Equivalent to a high school diploma. Additional college-level course work in water treatment and distribution systems, chemistry, biology, or a related field is desirable.

Licenses and Certificates
For Water Treatment Operator III:
  • Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License at the time of appointment.
  • Possession of a Grade T3 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
  • Possession of a Grade D3 Water Distribution Operator Certificate.
For Water Treatment Operator IV:
  • Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License at the time of appointment.
  • Possession of a Grade T4 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
  • Possession of a Grade D3 Water Distribution Operator Certificate.
For Water Treatment Operator V:
  • Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License at the time of appointment.
  • Possession of a Grade T5 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
  • Possession of a Grade D4 Water Distribution Operator Certificate.

Special Requirements:
Essential functions and duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:
  • Regularly sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, and lift up to 50 lbs.;
  • Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate and reach with hands and arms;
  • Regularly exposed to heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards, toxic substances, foul odors, wastewater, sludge, effluents, bacteria, viruses, and traffic hazards;
  • Regularly travel to different sites and locations;
  • Must be able to communicate with other and to exchange information accurately;
  • Must be available for standby/on call duty.

Supplemental Information
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application material that they meet the minimum qualifications of the position. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the positions may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skills, training, and experience for the position.
The employment application must be completed and submitted online. Applicants must list current and past work experience. Do not indicate "See Resume".
Proof of education, such as but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees, must be submittedonline with your application. Applicants are responsible for attaching proof of education, certification, and/or license to each position for which they apply.
The following documents are required for this position:1. If applicable, California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator Grade D3 Certificate or higher.
2. If applicable, California State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Operator Grade T3 Certificate or higher.
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. This evaluation must be submitted by the application deadline.
Failure to provide all required documents will result in elimination from the selection process.
Please note, the City of Redlands' preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference/background check (to include a conviction record) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which may include a drug/alcohol screening depending upon job classification). The City of Redlands utilizes E-Verify, and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization. For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Sophia Diaz at or Julie Maher at
Benefits associated with this position include:
  • Medical Insurance - City pays between $800 and $2,100 /mo for employees and eligible dependents, depending upon level of coverage;
  • Dental Insurance - City pays monthly premium for employees and eligible dependents; 2 plans
  • Vision Reimbursement - up to $300 per year
  • State Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance - $25,000
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment - $25,000
  • The City participates in Social Security
  • Vacation Leave - 80 hours accrued in first year
  • Sick Leave - 96 hours annually
  • 14 Paid Holidays per year
  • 2 Floating Holidays per year
  • 20 hours of Additional Floating Holidays per calendar year
  • Credit Union
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program - $2000 per fiscal year
  • Certification Pay - 3% for select positions
  • Shift Differential Pay - 5% (subject to the terms of the Teamsters MOU)
  • Unform Allowance for select positions
  • Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) - 2% @ 55 for employees who are considered a "classic" member of Cal PERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired on or after January 1, 2013.
  • Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) - 2% @ 62 for an employee who becomes a "new" member of Cal PERS for the first time on or after January 1, 2013 and who was not a member of another California public retirement system prior to that date; employee contributes half of the contribution rate.

01
Do you currently possess, or have the ability to obtain upon appointment, a valid California driver's license?
  • Yes, currently possess
  • No, but have the ability to obtain upon appointment
  • No

02
Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you possess a Grade T3 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board or higher?
  • Yes, I possess a T3
  • Yes, I possess higher than a T3
  • No, I do not possess a T3 or higher

04
Do you possess a Grade D3 Water Distribution Operator Certificate or higher?
  • Yes, I possess a D3
  • Yes, I possess higher than a D3
  • No, I do not possess a D3 or higher

05
How many years of experience do you have performing maintenance and routine operation duties in a water treatment plant or water distribution system?
  • None
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1-2 years
  • 3-4 years
  • 5+ years

06
Do you have the ability to be On-Call/Standby and respond to the City's water facilities within 30 minutes?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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