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Meter Readers, Utilities in Arizona

Want to work as a Meter Readers, Utilities in Arizona? Here’s what you need to know. Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.

What do Meter Readers, Utilities Make in Arizona?

The meter readers, utilities working in Arizona, the median annual wage is $47,980 per year (or roughly $23.07/hour).Annual wages span from $37,070 at the 10th percentile to $86,480 at the 90th percentile.

Wage Statistic	Annual	Hourly
10th percentile	$37,070	$17.82
25th percentile	$38,960	$18.73
Median (50th)	$47,980	$23.07
75th percentile	$82,520	$39.67
90th percentile	$86,480	$41.58

The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Arizona relative to the national average — is 1.29, indicating that meter readers, utilities are more concentrated here than the national average.

National Wage Comparison

Nationally, meter readers, utilities earn a median of $43,467 per year ($20.90/hour), higher than the Arizona median.

Employment Outlook

National employment for 430,435 meter readers, utilities nationwide. In Arizona alone, around 530 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 310 meter readers, utilities.

Top Arizona Metros for Meter Readers, Utilities

The metro areas below employ the most meter readers, utilities in Arizona.

Metro Area	Number Employed	Annual Median Salary
Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ	280	$63,310
Tucson, AZ	130	n/a

Top States for Meter Readers, Utilities Employment

The table below shows the states where the most meter readers, utilities work.

State	Number Employed
Ohio	1,680
Texas	1,280
New Jersey	1,170
Pennsylvania	990
Florida	940
California	890
New York	870
Illinois	770
Tennessee	720
Louisiana	670
Kentucky	640
Georgia	600
Mississippi	590
North Carolina	530
Arizona	530
Alabama	430
Virginia	430
South Carolina	410
West Virginia	400
Massachusetts	390

Highest-Paying States for Meter Readers, Utilities

Where meter readers, utilities earn the most: meter readers, utilities.

State	Annual Median Salary
Wisconsin	$87,610
Nebraska	$84,730
California	$78,970
Illinois	$78,620
Nevada	$71,600
New York	$69,050
Washington	$67,240
Minnesota	$66,210
Montana	$66,160
Oregon	$61,820

Skills

The most important meter readers, utilities skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Knowledge Areas

Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Abilities

The abilities that matter most for meter readers, utilities, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Daily Tasks

Common tasks include:

• 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.
• Report to service departments any problems, such as meter irregularities, damaged equipment, or impediments to meter access, including dogs.
• 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.
• Answer customers' questions about services and charges, or direct them to customer service centers.
• Update client address and meter location information.
• Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on meters.
• Report lost or broken keys.

Work Activities

• Documenting/Recording Information
• Getting Information
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
• Performing General Physical Activities
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
• Processing Information
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization
• Handling and Moving Objects
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Tools & Technology

Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Microsoft Access In-demand technologies: Microsoft Office software

Related Careers

Other careers like meter readers, utilities include:

• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Calibration Technologists and Technicians
• Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners
• Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
• Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers

Also Known As

Customer Field Representative, Damage Prevention Specialist, Electric Meter Reader, Facilities Technician (Facilities Tech), Field Service Engineer, Field Technician, Fieldman, Gas Meter Reader, Meter Installer, Meter Reader, Meter Reader Inspector, Meter Reading Clerk, Meter Record Clerk, Meter Service Representative (Meter Service Rep), Meter Technician.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
• O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
• BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
• O*NET-SOC code: 43-5041.00