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

Water Utility Supervisor

Glendora, CA · On-site

$86K - $104K/yr

Under general direction from a Water Superintendent, plans, schedules, assigns, reviews, and supervises the work of staff engaged in reading and replacing radio read water meters, meter transmitter ...

Under general direction from a Water Superintendent, plans, schedules, assigns, reviews, and supervises the work of staff engaged in reading and replacing radio read water meters, meter transmitter ...

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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 Jul 6, 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 maps and use basic tools. The job involves outdoor work, physical activity, and attention to detail, but it generally does not require extensive training or certifications. The difficulty varies depending on the employer and location, but it is often considered an entry-level position.

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.

How to be a water meter reader?

To become a water meter reader, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and good communication skills. The job involves reading meters at customer locations, often using handheld devices or mobile data collection tools, and may require physical activity such as walking or climbing. Training is usually provided by the employer to familiarize new employees with safety procedures and meter reading techniques.

Is meter reading still a job?

Yes, meter reading remains a job in many utility companies, where workers are responsible for recording water, gas, or electricity usage. The role typically involves outdoor work, using handheld devices or electronic meters, and may require a valid driver's license and physical stamina.

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.

How much do water meter technicians make?

Water meter technicians typically earn an average annual salary between $40,000 and $60,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often perform tasks such as reading, maintaining, and repairing water meters, sometimes requiring certification or specialized training.
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:
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.
Customer Service Center Associate (48.26)

Customer Service Center Associate (48.26)

Golden State Water Company

San Dimas, CA • On-site

$23.28 - $37.36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Golden State Water Company is one of the largest investor-owned water utilities in the United States. We deliver quality, reliable water to more than 1 million people in over 80 communities throughout California. Golden State Water has been in business for more than 90 years because we put customers first.
Accountability
The Customer Service Center Associate is proficient in the use and application of the tools, equipment, software, processes, and procedures required in the performance of the position's essential duties and responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities are prioritized according to the work unit assigned and performance measures are based on competencies to include accountability, customer focus, teamwork, problem solving, and productivity.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Responds professionally and effectively to all types of customer inquiries and service requests via multiple channels of customer contact and according to Company and regulatory performance standards across all customer service areas
• Creates and accesses customer records, researches, and navigates efficiently through the Customer Information System (CIS) to resolve customer complaints and account discrepancies
• Assists customers with online customer self-service and electronic payment portal system access, navigation, and resolving technical issues
• On a daily basis, assigns, tracks, and monitors on-cloud meter reading route downloads/uploads, provides assistance and support to users of the FCS Itron on Cloud software and smart devices
• Analyzes and edits meter read data; with appropriate follow-up action
• Processes customer payments accurately and prepares cashiers reports and deposits
• Processes new customer applications and renewals for a variety of programs that may include but is not limited to Customer Assistance Program (CAP), hydrant meters, new services, backflow compliance, and fire flow tests, etc.
• Dispatches service and trouble calls accurately and timely to field service personnel
• Accesses and researches field service orders, monitors Key Performance Indicators (KPI), and navigates efficiently through Mobile Workforce Management (MWM) system
• Notifies GSWC management team and other departments of emergencies such as water outages, main breaks, etc.
• Performs higher level customer service center duties that include but are not limited to:
o Sharing knowledge and mentoring newly hired staff
o Responding to calls in the quality assurance and/or escalation phone skill sets
o Completing quality audit checklists as assigned by supervisor(s)
o Communicating complex regulations, billing and rate information to customers
o May provide MWM and CC&B user support to Water Operations staff
• Performs other duties as assigned
The above job description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills or competencies associated with this job.
Minimum Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Two (2) years relevant work experience at GSWC or five years of customer service experience in a professional environment
• Familiarity with utility or comparable service industry, contact center systems and customer information system terminology
• Must be proficient in computer skills including Microsoft Office
• Must be able to read and interpret documents such as regulations, procedure manuals, and rate schedules, etc.
• Must be able to demonstrate the ability to prioritize assignments and work in order of urgency and sensitivity
• Proficiency in PC applications such as Windows, Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Internet
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with their supervisor, co-workers and the public
• Ability to perform basic mathematic functions, calculate figures, and reconcile account information
• Bilingual skills may be required
May require varied shift assignments based on business needs, including working in all weather conditions, during all hours of the day. Physical demands include but are not limited to standing, climbing, walking, lifting, bending, pulling and/or pushing, grasping, reaching, stooping and crouching, sitting, typing, walking, reading, writing, color determination, speaking and listening for extended periods of time.
Qualities of a Successful Customer Service Center Associate
• Trustworthy; strong personal integrity
• Strong level of accountability and ownership
• High quality communication skills, both verbal and written (including email)
• Analytical and critical thinker
• Ability to maintain strong relationships with field service personnel.
• Collaborative and team oriented
• Professional with internal and external customers
• Customer service-oriented
• Excellent multi-tasking, time management and organizational skills
• High degree of initiative; a self-starter
BENEFITS
Our Company supports our employees with rich benefit programs and resources to help them thrive today and prepare for tomorrow. Benefit options include medical, dental, and vision plans with the Company currently paying 85% of the monthly premium for employees and their eligible dependents. We also offer paid vacation and sick time and twelve Company paid holidays per year. To help our employees plan for the future, we offer both a 401(k) retirement plan as well as a Defined Contribution Profit Sharing retirement plan. Additional benefits include life, AD&D, and LTD insurance as well as health savings account and flexible spending plans.
COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The compensation range provided is in compliance with state specific laws. Multiple factors are used to determine the actual starting rate of pay for all of our positions, including specific skills, years of experience, education, certification(s), and other job related factors.
The responsibilities of this position will involve access to information that may be considered confidential, private and sensitive. Therefore, the individual filling this position will be required to both allow and pass a background check.
NOTE: Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with special needs to perform the essential functions.