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Energy & Utilities career
Meter Reader
Also called: Utility Meter Reader · Meter Technician · Field Service Representative · Water Meter Reader
What meter readers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a meter reader do?
Meter readers, utilities, read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water or steam. The median pay is $48,150 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few weeks on the job, and employment is projected to grow -10.5% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$48,150$23.15/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-10.5%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year1,400Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to trainA few weeks on the jobTypical program length
- U.S. jobs19,700Employment, 2025
What meter readers do
Meter readers track usage. They read meters on routes, check for damage and tampering, help install and test smart meters, connect and disconnect service and answer customer questions.
A high school diploma and short training are typical. BLS projects a steep decline as smart meters read themselves.
Typical duties
- Read meters
- Record usage
- Check for tampering
- Report damage
- Help install smart meters
- Connect or disconnect service
- Answer questions
Work environment and schedule
Meter readers work outdoors on routes.
Schedule: Full-time daytime hours.
A day in the life
- Load the route.
- Read meters.
- Report a damaged meter.
- Lunch.
See a full day in the life of a meter reader →
Meter Reader salary
Half of meter readers earned more than $48,150 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $34,720 for the lowest 10% to $85,930 for the top 10%.
Full meter reader pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a meter reader
- Finish high school
- Get a clean driving record
- Apply to a utility
- Learn routes
- Advance
A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a meter reader →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Meter reading
- Handheld devices
- Smart meters
- Tamper detection
- Route management
People skills
- Reliability
- Independence
- Courtesy
- Attention to detail
All meter reader skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Outdoor work
- Independent
- Short training
- Utility benefits
Cons
- Steep decline
- Weather
- Dogs
- Walking all day
Certifications and licenses
- Driver’s license: Required.
- Utility safety training: Employer.
- Dog safety training: Helpful.
- Smart meter training: Employer.
Career path
- Meter Reader: Entry.
- Meter Technician: Install and test.
- Field Service Rep: Service work.
- Field Supervisor: Lead.
Learn the job before day one
Our Meter Reader training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as spot meter tampering and stay safe around dogs on a route, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Meter Reader vs. Lineworker · Meter Reader vs. Water Operator · Meter Reader vs. Customer Service Rep · Meter Reader vs. Gas Plant Operator
Meter Reader FAQ
Is meter reading declining?
Yes, BLS projects a steep decline due to smart meters.
What skills transfer?
Meter technician and field service roles.
Do I need a degree?
No.
How much does a meter reader make?
The median annual wage for meter readers was $48,150 ($23.15 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $34,720 and the highest 10% earned more than $85,930.
How long does it take to become a meter reader?
Most people need about A few weeks on the job of training. A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a meter reader?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 43-5041 (Meter readers, utilities).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Meter readers, utilities (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.