Meter Reader

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Work Tasks

• Read electric, gas, water, or steam usage meters
• Record the amounts used by customers
• Look for and report anything unusual about the meters
• Turn on service for new customers and turn off service for people who have not paid bills
• Work inside and outside for electric power, gas, and water companies
• Work with meters, route books, hand-held computers, and orders for new service or turn-offs

Salary, Size & Growth

• $36,000 average per year ($17.25 per hour)
• A medium occupation (40,200 workers in 2010)
• Expected to decline (2.0% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: On-the-job training
• Employers Prefer: A high school diploma, office skills, and computer skills
• Skills/Courses: An experienced worker trains meter readers to read the meters, determine the usage rate, and the route that they have to travel.