Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between meter readers and meter technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a meter reader has an average salary of $46,504, which is higher than the $42,393 average annual salary of a meter technician.
The top three skills for a meter reader include gas meters, safety procedures and utility meters. The most important skills for a meter technician are water meters, gas meters, and troubleshoot.
A meter reader is primarily in charge of assessing utility meters at homes or establishments, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically revolve around traveling to different locations according to a particular route, operating devices, maintaining records of all operations, collecting payments, and even connecting or disconnecting utilities in adherence to policies and regulations. They may also liaise with clients, answer inquiries, or even direct them to customer support when necessary. Furthermore, should there be any irregularities or defects on meters, it is essential to report to the management right away.
A meter technician is in charge of installing and maintaining electric meters that measure the electricity consumption of houses and establishments. Part of their job is to travel to different sites and conduct prior assessments before installation, liaise with property owners or representatives, and maintain records of transactions. They may also handle and investigate issues, respond to high bill complaints, inspect systems to identify any damages, troubleshoot problems, and perform repairs or replacements as necessary.
Meter readers and meter technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Meter Reader | Meter Technician | |
| Average salary | $46,504 | $42,393 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $86,000 | Between $27,000 And $64,000 |
| Highest paying City | Palo Alto, CA | Bremerton, WA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Xcel Energy | EOG Resources |
| Best paying industry | - | Utilities |
There are a few differences between a meter reader and a meter technician in terms of educational background:
| Meter Reader | Meter Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between meter readers' and meter technicians' demographics:
| Meter Reader | Meter Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.0% Female, 21.0% | Male, 88.7% Female, 11.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 1.6% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 1.6% White, 72.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |