Meter Readers, Utilities
Tasks Include:
- 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-held 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.
more »
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Projections Quick View:
Virginia: -3.9%
National: -11.0%
Education
High School Diploma
Job Zone:
Two: Some Preparation Needed
Income Range:
Moderately High ($36,000 - $49,999)
Median Earnings:
National
$44,760.00
State
$37,590.00
Regional
Meter Readers, Utilities
Description
Career Cluster: | Business, Management & Administration |
Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Meter Readers, Utilities
Education
Required Level of Education
- High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) = 71.05%
- Some College Courses = 17.28%
- Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 8.74%
- Bachelor's Degree = 2.39%
- Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) = 0.54%
Related Work Experience
- None = 39.16%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 18.77%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 15.25%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 9.92%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 9.64%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 3.92%
- Up to and including 1 month = 3.34%
On-Site or In-Plant Training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 27.15%
- Up to and including 1 month = 24.36%
- None = 18.96%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 14.88%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 10.51%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 3.03%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 1.11%
On-the-Job Training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 42.81%
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 17.24%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 16.01%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 16%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 5.50%
- None or short demonstration = 1.88%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 0.56%
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Meter Readers, Utilities
Tasks
Core Tasks Include:
- 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-held 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.
- Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on meters.
Supplemental Tasks Include:
- Collect past-due bills.
- Report lost or broken keys.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Meter Readers, Utilities
Knowledge
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
67.75 | Customer and Personal Service | Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
61.75 | Public Safety and Security | Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. |
58.75 | English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
51.75 | Mathematics | Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Meter Readers, Utilities
Skills
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
50.00 | Reading Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
50.00 | Active Listening | Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
50.00 | Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
50.00 | Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
50.00 | Service Orientation | Actively looking for ways to help people. |
50.00 | Time Management | Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Meter Readers, Utilities
Abilities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
62.50 | Near Vision | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
56.25 | Oral Comprehension | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
56.25 | Oral Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
53.00 | Information Ordering | The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
53.00 | Perceptual Speed | The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object. |
53.00 | Trunk Strength | The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing. |
50.00 | Written Comprehension | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
50.00 | Arm-Hand Steadiness | The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position. |
50.00 | Multilimb Coordination | The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion. |
50.00 | Problem Sensitivity | The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. |
50.00 | Control Precision | The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. |
50.00 | Speech Recognition | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. |
50.00 | Far Vision | The ability to see details at a distance. |
50.00 | Speech Clarity | The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. |
50.00 | Extent Flexibility | The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Meter Readers, Utilities
Work Activities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
83.50 | Documenting/Recording Information | Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
77.25 | Getting Information | Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
75.75 | Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment | Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft. |
73.50 | Performing General Physical Activities | Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
71.25 | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates | Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
70.00 | Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials | Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
68.00 | Processing Information | Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
67.50 | Communicating with People Outside the Organization | Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
62.50 | Handling and Moving Objects | Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
62.25 | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships | Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
61.25 | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events | Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
61.00 | Making Decisions and Solving Problems | Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
60.50 | Performing for or Working Directly with the Public | Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
60.25 | Working with Computers | Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
59.00 | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings | Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
54.00 | Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information | Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
53.25 | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge | Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
52.00 | Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work | Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
51.25 | Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards | Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Meter Readers, Utilities
Work Styles
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
86.25 | Dependability | Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
79.25 | Cooperation | Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
78.50 | Self-Control | Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
77.75 | Integrity | Job requires being honest and ethical. |
76.00 | Initiative | Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
76.00 | Attention to Detail | Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
72.25 | Independence | Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. |
71.25 | Leadership | Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. |
70.00 | Stress Tolerance | Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. |
68.00 | Persistence | Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
63.50 | Analytical Thinking | Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
62.25 | Achievement/Effort | Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
61.00 | Concern for Others | Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
59.75 | Adaptability/Flexibility | Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
58.25 | Innovation | Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
52.00 | Social Orientation | Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Meter Readers, Utilities
Work Values
% | Subject | Description |
---|
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Meter Readers, Utilities
Work Context
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
100.00 | Outdoors, Exposed to Weather | How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions? |
92.80 | Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures? |
91.40 | Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? |
87.80 | In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment | How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)? |
86.60 | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? |
83.60 | Exposed to Contaminants | How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)? |
81.80 | Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | How much does this job require making repetitive motions? |
81.20 | Deal With External Customers | How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job? |
80.00 | Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting | How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions? |
79.40 | Time Pressure | How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? |
78.40 | Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People | How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements? |
78.20 | Work With Work Group or Team | How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? |
78.00 | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? |
77.20 | Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets? |
76.60 | Frequency of Decision Making | How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? |
76.40 | Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body | How much does this job require bending or twisting your body? |
76.40 | Freedom to Make Decisions | How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? |
75.80 | Spend Time Standing | How much does this job require standing? |
75.40 | Telephone | How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? |
75.40 | Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable | How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable? |
75.20 | Contact With Others | How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? |
72.80 | Spend Time Walking and Running | How much does this job require walking and running? |
72.60 | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety | How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? |
72.20 | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? |
71.60 | Face-to-Face Discussions | How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? |
71.40 | Structured versus Unstructured Work | To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? |
70.80 | Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment? |
70.40 | Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions? |
69.80 | Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings? |
68.40 | Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling | How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling? |
68.40 | Responsibility for Outcomes and Results | How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers? |
68.00 | Coordinate or Lead Others | How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? |
65.20 | Frequency of Conflict Situations | How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job? |
62.40 | Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.) |
60.60 | Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)? |
60.00 | Consequence of Error | How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable? |
56.60 | Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance | How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance? |
54.00 | Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions? |
52.60 | Degree of Automation | How automated is the job? |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Meter Readers, Utilities
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
- Overall Experience
- Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
- Examples
- These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
- Education
- These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Meter Readers, Utilities
Earnings Benefits*
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
---|---|---|---|
United States | $29,130.00 | $44,760.00 | $61,980.00 |
Virginia | $28,540.00 | $37,590.00 | $45,770.00 |
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
Bay Consortium | $36,162.66 | $45,264.01 | $58,759.54 |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | $32,185.79 | $42,009.17 | $52,722.96 |
Central VA/Region2000 | $29,675.71 | $38,115.97 | $44,130.86 |
Crater Area | $35,684.40 | $42,303.56 | $53,866.44 |
Greater Peninsula | $32,340.73 | $41,050.59 | $48,083.97 |
Hampton Roads | $29,335.87 | $32,729.12 | $40,475.23 |
New River/Mt. Rogers | $30,430.80 | $36,089.32 | $42,424.42 |
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Piedmont Workforce | $38,770.86 | $46,570.69 | $55,512.97 |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Southwestern Virginia | $31,833.55 | $39,147.89 | $45,830.06 |
West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Western Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
* Earnings Calculations:
Regional Earnings:
Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.
National and State Earnings:
Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Meter Readers, Utilities
Employment Projections
Current | Projected | % Change | |
---|---|---|---|
United States | 24,500 | 21,800 | -11.0% |
Virginia | 687 | 660 | -3.9% |
Region | Current* | Projected | % Change |
Bay Consortium | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Central VA/Region2000 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Crater Area | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Greater Peninsula | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Hampton Roads | No Data | No Data | No Data |
New River/Mt. Rogers | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Piedmont Workforce | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Southwestern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Western Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Meter Readers, Utilities
Related Occupations
Related Occupations
The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
- Power Plant Operators
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians
- Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
- Geothermal Technicians
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
- Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers
- Gas Plant Operators
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
- Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
Careers in Administrative Support Pathway:
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
- Communications Equipment Operators, All Other
- Computer Occupations, All Other
- Correspondence Clerks
- Customer Service Representatives
- Data Entry Keyers
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
- File Clerks
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan
- Library Assistants, Clerical
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
- Meter Readers, Utilities
- New Accounts Clerks
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other
- Office Clerks, General
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
- Order Clerks
- Patient Representatives
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
- Postal Service Clerks
- Postal Service Mail Carriers
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
- Procurement Clerks
- Receptionists and Information Clerks
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
- Stockers and Order Fillers
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
- Telephone Operators
- Word Processors and Typists
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Meter Readers, Utilities
View Videos
CareerOneStop Video
View Video & Transcript on CareerOneStop
CareerOneStop Business, Management & Administration Videos
Overview
Occupations
The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet28)
Meter Readers, Utilities
Proficiency Ratings
These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Meter Readers, Utilities
Titles
- Customer Field Representative
- Electric Meter Reader
- Field Technician
- Fieldman
- Gas Meter Reader
- Meter Reader
- Meter Reader Inspector
- Meter Reading Clerk
- Meter Record Clerk
- Meterman
- Steam Meter Reader
- Utility Service Worker
- Water Inspector
- Water Meter Reader
- Water Service Inspector
- Water Service Operator
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Meter Readers, Utilities
Related Schools
There are no Related Schools at this time.The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)