What Is a Meter Reader and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

As a meter reader, you collect data for utility companies from meters located inside or outside of homes and other buildings. Your job duties include using meter reading equipment to gather and record information from utility meters, interacting with customers to explain what you are doing and answer questions, and driving along an assigned route to read meters at specified locations. Reading and data entry skills are key to your success as a meter reader. Interpersonal skills are also useful.

To become a meter reader, you need a high school diploma or GED certificate, a valid driver’s license, and a clean driving record. The other qualifications you need for a career as a meter reader are the ability to read, record, and report data accurately. Your primary job responsibilities are to read utility meters at homes or buildings along your assigned route, record usage data for utilities like water, gas, and electricity, and report that information to your employer—usually a utility company. You can find meter reader jobs without experience, as on-the-job training and partnering with experienced meter readers are standard practice.

A career as a meter reader is a good choice if you want job stability and steady income without formal education beyond high school. Working as a meter reader gives you the opportunity to work independently after your initial training period. You drive to various locations to complete your meter reading jobs, and you get to spend part of each day outside as you read outdoor utility meters. Meter reading may also lead to other career opportunities in the utility industry, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) jobs.

Job Summary

Our utility company is looking for a Meter Reader to join our field team. In this role, your tasks involve reading and recording meter data along your route. You must have some computer skills to read this data with a handheld device or enter it into our computer system manually. Since every building is different, you should feel comfortable working indoors or outdoors with minimal disruption. Our company does provide technical and safety training, but you must take an aptitude test to demonstrate your ability to read meter data and compare numbers. All applicants must also submit to a drug test and background check.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Read utility meters along your route
• Record meter reads and trouble codes using a clipboard, iPad, or handheld computer
• Read utility maps to locate meters and other components
• Inspect meter and connections, reporting anything that may indicate illegal activities or safety hazards

Requirements and Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED certificate
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record
• Ability to work in various weather conditions
• Basic math and computer skills
• Physical stamina to stand, bend, and stoop as necessary