Meter Readers, Utilities in Oregon
Considering working as a Meter Readers, Utilities in Oregon? 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 Oregon?
For a meter readers, utilities working in Oregon, the typical annual salary is $61,820 per year (or about $29.72/hour).Pay can range from $37,580 at the 10th percentile to $79,520 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,580 | $18.07 |
| 25th percentile | $48,760 | $23.44 |
| Median (50th) | $61,820 | $29.72 |
| 75th percentile | $73,220 | $35.20 |
| 90th percentile | $79,520 | $38.23 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Oregon relative to the national average — is 0.58, meaning fewer meter readers, utilities per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, meter readers, utilities earn a median of $43,467 per year ($20.90/hour), exceeding the Oregon median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 430,435 meter readers, utilities across the United States. In Oregon alone, about 140 people work in this role. That’s below the typical state, which employs around 310 meter readers, utilities.
Top Oregon Metros for Meter Readers, Utilities
The largest metro-area employers of meter readers, utilities in Oregon.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 80 | $63,610 |
Top States for Meter Readers, Utilities Employment
These states have the highest employment of 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
These states pay the most for 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
Important 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
Day-to-day, meter readers, utilities typically:
- 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