Career comparison
Gas Plant Operator vs. Meter Reader
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Gas plant operators earn more at the median ($87,820 vs. $48,150), while meter readers usually get to work faster (A few weeks on the job of training). Gas plant operators run plants and compressor stations that process and move natural gas. Meter readers read and check gas, water and electric meters for utilities.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Gas Plant Operator | Meter Reader | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $87,820 ($42.22/hr) | $48,150 ($23.15/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $61,350 – $115,520 | $34,720 – $85,930 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -6.0% (a projected decline) | -10.5% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 1,400 | 1,400 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 1–2+ years on the job | A few weeks on the job |
| Key credential | Process technology associate degree | Driver’s license |
| Work setting | Operators work in plants and stations, outdoors around equipment and in control rooms, often in rural areas.. | Meter readers work outdoors on routes.. |
What each job does
Gas Plant Operator
- Monitor and control processing equipment
- Operate compressors and pipelines
- Regulate pressures and flows
- Take gas samples
- Make rounds and inspect equipment
Meter Reader
- Read meters
- Record usage
- Check for tampering
- Report damage
- Help install smart meters
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working outdoors. Both are part of the energy & utilities field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose gas plant operator if…
- I want high pay with training on the job
- I like process control
- I take safety seriously
Choose meter reader if…
- I like being outside
- I work well alone
- I don’t mind walking
Still torn? Take the Gas Plant Operator fit quiz and the Meter Reader fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, gas plant operator or meter reader?
Gas Plant Operators earn more at the median: $87,820 versus $48,150 for meter readers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Meter Readers typically train faster (A few weeks on the job) than gas plant operators (1–2+ years on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects gas plant operators to grow -6.0% from 2025–35, compared with -10.5% for meter readers.