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Meter Readers, Utilities

Public Service & Safety

Overview
Responsibilities
T-A-S-K
Education
Income & Employability
Video Resources
Related Careers

Description

Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.

Interests

  • Conventional
  • Realistic

Learn More about Interests

Work Values

  • Working Conditions
  • Independence
  • Support

Learn More about Work Values

Work Styles

  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • Self-Control
  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail

Learn More about Work Styles

Responsibilities

Tasks

  • Read electric, gas, water, or steam consumption meters and enter data in route books or hand-held computers.
  • 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.
  • Walk or drive vehicles along established routes to take readings of meter dials.
  • Inspect meters for unauthorized connections, defects, and damage, such as broken seals.
  • Verify readings in cases where consumption appears to be abnormal, and record possible reasons for fluctuations.

Work Activities

  • Documenting/Recording Information
  • Getting Information
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  • Performing General Physical Activities
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Detailed Work Activities

  • Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
  • Performing general physical activities includes doing 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.
  • Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • 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.
  • Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

T-A-S-K

Technology Skills

  • Spreadsheet software
  • Presentation software
  • Geographic information system
  • Electronic mail software
  • Accounting software

Abilities

  • Near Vision
  • Oral Comprehension
  • Oral Expression
  • Information Ordering
  • Perceptual Speed

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Service Orientation
  • Speaking

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Public Safety and Security
  • English Language
  • Mathematics

Education

Most Common Education Level

The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue for that career.

Certificates

Certifying Organization

Oracle Corporation

Type

Product/Equipment

Income & Employability

Income Percentile

The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.

Income PercentileAnnual Income
Low (10%)$38,884
Median (50%)$46,394
High (90%)$59,846

Income by Experience

This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).

ExperienceIncome
Entry Level $46,825
Mid Level $58,859
Senior Level $65,427
Expert Level N/A

Employability

There are currently 20,400 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to decrease to 18,100 positions, reflecting a projected decline of -11%.

The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.

Projected Job Growth of -11%

Video Resources

The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.

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