Guidance.help

Meter Readers, Utilities

Meter Readers, Utilities is the O*NET name for people who read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam. On the six-type interest model it reads CRI, meaning orderly work with data, records and clear procedures comes first, followed by hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world. The preparation level is some preparation, typically a few months to a year of learning on the job. O*NET’s skill data points to speaking, operations monitoring, and critical thinking as the ones to build. You may also need to read electric, gas, water, or steam consumption meters and enter data in route books or hand-held computers. If you want orderly work with data, records and clear procedures, keep it on your list. If you need creative work with room for original expression, it may feel thin.

What they do

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

Main 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.
  • Verify readings in cases where consumption appears to be abnormal, and record possible reasons for fluctuations.
  • Install new or replace broken meters.
  • Inspect meters for unauthorized connections, defects, and damage, such as broken seals.

Skills

  • Speaking
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking
  • Time Management
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Operation and Control

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on speaking and operations monitoring.

May not suit you if

  • You get restless with routine, records and exact procedures.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code CRI takes the three highest, and Conventional comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Also called

  • Field Technician (Field Tech)
  • Meter Reader
  • Meter Reading Clerk
  • Meter Service Technician (Meter Service Tech)
  • Meter Service Worker

Related careers

Is this your direction?

See how your interests line up with CRI and 906 other careers.

Take the career test

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.