Meter Readers, Utilities
(O*NET 43-5041.00)

	Nature of the Work
Meter readers read electric, gas, water, or steam consumption meters and record the volume used.  They serve 
both residential and commercial consumers, either walking or driving along the designated route.  Their duties 
include inspecting the meters and their connections for any defects or damage, supplying meter repair and 
maintenance workers with the necessary information to fix damaged meters, and keeping track of the average 
usage and record reasons for any extreme fluctuations in volume.
Meter readers are constantly aware of any abnormal behavior or consumption that might indicate an 
unauthorized connection.  They may turn off service for questionable behavior or nonpayment of charges, and 
also are responsible for turning on service for new occupants.  They usually keep a record of receipt and 
completion of meter service.  

	Employment
Meter readers held about 49,000 jobs in 2000.  About half were employed by electric, gas, and water utilities.  
Most of the rest were employed in local government, reading water meters or meters for other government-
owned utilities.

	Job Outlook
Employment of meter readers is expected to decline through 2010.  New automated meter reading (AMR) 
systems allow meters to be monitored and billed from a central point, reducing the need for meter readers.  
However, because it will be many years before AMR systems can be implemented in all locations, there still will 
be some openings for meter readers, mainly to replace workers who leave the occupation.
Related Occupations
Other workers responsible for the distribution and control of utilities include powerplant operators, distributors, 
and dispatchers.

	Sources of Additional Information
Information on employment as a meter reader, and on automatic meter reading technology, can be obtained from:
*	Automatic Meter Reading Association.  Internet: http:// www.amra-intl.org

(See introduction to the section on material recording, scheduling, dispatching, and distributing occupations 
for information on working conditions, training requirements, and earnings.)