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What does a meter reader do?

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
What does a meter reader do

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.

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Meter reader responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real meter reader resumes:

  • Replace old AMI meters to new AMR meters while recognizing safety procedure and reporting any problems to supervisor.
  • Don the PPE to remove old meters.
  • Train and supervise newly hire employees to read meters and install AMR devices.
  • Perform audits for Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance and other laws and regulations.
  • Install new meters for new, residential and commercial buildings and make GPS points.
  • Install, programme, troubleshoot, install raven radios in meters, daisy chain radios for multiple meters.
  • Install new automate meter reading (AMR) gas, water or electric meters/indexes to replace existing systems.
  • Know how to comprehend new hand hold technology such as cell phones, GPS, PDA's, and digital cameras.
  • Install digital electronic transmitters on meters.
  • Grade student exams and research papers for course in medieval Scandinavian literature in translation
  • Read and service electrical meter for entergy company

Meter reader skills and personality traits

We calculated that 35% of Meter Readers are proficient in Gas Meters, Safety Procedures, and Utility Meters.

We break down the percentage of Meter Readers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Gas Meters, 35%

    Walk or driving around residential community and local business reading gas meters

  • Safety Procedures, 21%

    Audited new hire's performance ensuring they followed standard operating and safety procedures.

  • Utility Meters, 6%

    Answered questions concerning utility meters and resolved various customer utility service problems.

  • Meter Boxes, 6%

    Perform minor field repairs; replace damaged meter boxes and lids; clean out meter boxes; check for meter leaks.

  • Billing Purposes, 5%

    Reviewed commercial and residential power meters* Reported electric power usage for billing purposes* Provided customer service and serviced customers

  • Customer Inquiries, 3%

    Investigated and reviewed customer inquiries regarding their meter reading.

Common skills that a meter reader uses to do their job include "gas meters," "safety procedures," and "utility meters." You can find details on the most important meter reader responsibilities below.

Most common meter reader skills

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Compare different meter readers

Meter reader vs. Water service inspector

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.

If we compare the average meter reader annual salary with that of a water service inspector, we find that water service inspectors typically earn a $3,183 lower salary than meter readers make annually.Even though meter readers and water service inspectors are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require meter boxes, billing purposes, and customer inquiries in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between meter readers and water service inspector. For instance, meter reader responsibilities require skills such as "gas meters," "safety procedures," "utility meters," and "water leaks." Whereas a water service inspector is skilled in "water services," "billing inquiries," "performs repair," and "water mains." This is part of what separates the two careers.

The education levels that water service inspectors earn slightly differ from meter readers. In particular, water service inspectors are 8.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a meter reader. Additionally, they're 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Meter reader vs. Meter technician

The duties of a reader depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. In the electric power industry, they are responsible for reading meters using tools and equipment to determine a household or establishment's utility bill. On the other hand, in publishing companies, a reader is in charge of proofreading written materials to prepare them for publishing procedures. Furthermore, there are instances when a reader may work at learning institutions and other private offices, providing clerical support tasks such as preparing and processing documents, reviewing files, and producing progress reports as needed.

On average, meter technicians earn a $4,111 lower salary than meter readers a year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Meter readers and meter technicians both require similar skills like "gas meters," "safety procedures," and "utility meters" to carry out their responsibilities.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, meter reader responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "customer inquiries," "service orders," "hand-held device," and "shovels." Meanwhile, a meter technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "water meters," "troubleshoot," "ladders," and "gps." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Meter technicians earn similar levels of education than meter readers in general. They're 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Meter reader vs. Reader

An average reader eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of meter readers. The difference in salaries amounts to readers earning a $5,278 higher average salary than meter readers.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, meter readers are more likely to have skills like "gas meters," "safety procedures," "utility meters," and "meter boxes." But a reader is more likely to have skills like "windows," "language arts," "content organization," and "computer screens."

Most readers achieve a higher degree level compared to meter readers. For example, they're 12.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 2.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Meter reader vs. Meter readers supervisor

Meter readers supervisors average a higher salary than the annual salary of meter readers. The difference is about $14,568 per year.According to resumes from meter readers and meter readers supervisors, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "gas meters," "meter boxes," and "customer complaints. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between meter readers and meter readers supervisors, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a meter reader might have more use for skills like "safety procedures," "utility meters," "billing purposes," and "customer inquiries." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of meter readers supervisors require skills like "water meters," "meter readers," "disciplinary actions," and "performance appraisals. "

In general, meter readers supervisors hold higher degree levels compared to meter readers. Meter readers supervisors are 14.2% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of meter reader

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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