Meter readers typically need a high school diploma and a driver’s license, and can be trained on the job by utility companies. While automated systems have reduced demand, job prospects may still be available in smaller towns or local utility companies.
To become a meter reader, you usually need to have a high school diploma and a valid driver’s license, and the utility company will teach you meter reading skills on the job. This and other public service jobs can bring benefits such as health insurance and paid vacation, as well as payments into retirement accounts and other benefit accounts. People interested in careers in this field can become supervisors and trainers and will gradually increase their salary scale over time.
Utilities that have slots for meter readers will advertise them, and a person who wants to become a meter reader can contact the public utility office to find out if any are available. The utility usually requires a high school diploma and may ask for employment references. A valid license is also normally required, as meter readers are often required to drive a route in a vehicle provided by the utility company.
A person who is in training to become a meter reader will shadow a more experienced worker. This person can show the student how to read gauges and how to record data correctly. Interns also learn about different routes and can receive advice on how to complete routes as efficiently as possible. They can discuss issues such as meter tampering to learn to identify signs of tampering or abnormal utility usage that could be indicative of a leak or other problem on the consumer end.
Gas, electricity and water meters can be read by a meter reader. However, employment in this field began to decline in the early 2000s thanks to the introduction of automated meter reading. These electronic systems can record meter data without the need for a meter reader, unless there is a problem with the system; in this case, a technician will need to go to the site to check it. While there may still be openings available for someone wanting to become a meter reader, the long-term prospects for these jobs may be dubious.
Electronic meter reading systems are more likely to be used in large cities that have large utility companies. Someone who wants to become a meter reader might want to look for a job in a small town or with a relatively small, local utility company. Jobs that last a long time may be more likely in these settings, and job applications may be reinforced by demonstrating familiarity with the field. In a small town, for example, a native’s intimate knowledge of the streets and layout can be very valuable.
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