National
| Median wages (2008) |
$15.84 hourly, $32,950 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
47,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Decline rapidly (-10% or lower)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
15,000 additional employees |
43-5041.00 - Meter Readers, Utilities
Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.
Sample of reported job titles:
Meter Reader, Customer Field Representative, Meter Reading Clerk, Water Inspector, Water Meter Reader, Field Technician, Fieldman, Meter Reader Inspector, Utility Service Worker, Water Service Inspector
Tasks
- Read electric, gas, water, or steam consumption meters and enter data in route books or hand-held computers.
- Walk or drive vehicles along established routes to take readings of meter dials.
- Upload into office computers all information collected on hand-held computers during meter rounds, or return route books or hand-hand computers to business offices so that data can be compiled.
- Verify readings in cases where consumption appears to be abnormal, and record possible reasons for fluctuations.
- Inspect meters for unauthorized connections, defects, and damage such as broken seals.
- Report to service departments any problems such as meter irregularities, damaged equipment, or impediments to meter access, including dogs.
- Answer customers' questions about services and charges, or direct them to customer service centers.
- Update client address and meter location information.
- Leave messages to arrange different times to read meters in cases in which meters are not accessible.
- Connect and disconnect utility services at specific locations.
