A meter reader is someone who reads meters for a living. It is a job that requires little to no education and can be done by just about anyone. The pay is not great, but it is a steady job with good benefits. If you are looking for a job that you can do without much training, then becoming a meter reader may be the right choice for you.
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What is a meter reader, and what do they do?
A meter reader is an important part of the utilities industry. Meter readers are responsible for reading and recording the amount of water, electricity, or gas used by customers. This information is then used to generate bills for customers.
Meter readers typically work for utility companies. They may work in office settings, but they also spend a lot of time outside, visiting customer homes and businesses to read their meters. Some meter readers use vehicles to travel between locations.
Meter reading can be a physically demanding job, as meter readers may have to walk long distances or climb stairs to reach meters. In some cases, meter readers may need to enter customers’ homes or businesses in order to read their meters.
Becoming a meter reader does not require a high level of education. However, utility companies often prefer to hire applicants with at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
The job market for meter readers
Meter readers are in charge of reading and recording the amount of water, electricity, or gas that has been used in a given time period. This is typically done by going to each home or business and reading the meter directly. In some cases, however, the work can be done remotely.
Meter readers typically work for utility companies. The job market for meter readers is expected to grow by 2 percent from 2018 to 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The median pay for meter readers in 2018 was $36,620 per year, or $17.57 per hour. The best-paid 25 percent made $48,430 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $28,070.
The skills you need to be a successful meter reader
Meter readers are responsible for reading and recording the amount of water, gas, or electricity used by customers. They may also be responsible for checking meters for leaks and maintaining customer accounts.
To be successful in this career, meter readers need to have strong math skills and be able to read maps. They must be detail-oriented and able to work independently. Good customer service skills are also important, as meter readers often interact with customers on a daily basis.
The training required to become a meter reader
Meter reading is vital for water, gas and electricity companies to keep track of how much each customer is using and to ensure that they are being charged correctly. This important job can be done by anyone with a keen eye for detail and a willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
There is no formal training required to become a meter reader, but most companies will provide on-the-job training to new recruits. This will typically involve learning how to use the company’s meter reading equipment and software. In some cases, new meter readers may also need to shadow an experienced colleague before working independently.
Meter readers need to be physically fit as the job involves walking long distances and climbing stairs. They also need to have good customer service skills as they may occasionally need to deal with enquiries from members of the public.
The benefits of being a meter reader
Meter reading may not seem like an exciting or glamorous job, but it can be a great way to get outside, meet new people, and get some exercise while you work. And, as an added bonus, meter readers often enjoy benefits such as flexible hours and competitive pay.
If you’re looking for a job that will allow you to enjoy the outdoors and meet new people, becoming a meter reader may be the perfect fit for you. As a meter reader, you’ll be responsible for reading the meters of homes and businesses in your assigned area. This can be a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while you work. And, because meter reading is often done on a flexible schedule, it can be a great job for those who are looking for part-time or seasonal work.
The challenges of being a meter reader
Meter reading can be a challenging and dangerous job. Meter readers must be able to read and understand numbers quickly, as well as follow safety procedures to protect themselves from electrical hazards. In some cases, meter readers may also have to enter into people’s homes or businesses to retrieve readings, which can be awkward or uncomfortable. There is also a lot of walking involved in the job, which can be tiring.