How much does a meter reader make?
The median meter reader in the United States earns $48,150 per year, about $23.15 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all meter readers earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 43-5041.
Meter reader salary range
Pay for meter readers spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $34,720 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $85,930. The average (mean) wage of $55,380 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,720 | $16.69 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $39,410 | $18.95 | |
| Median (50th) | $48,150 | $23.15 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $65,750 | $31.61 | |
| 90th percentile | $85,930 | $41.31 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for meter readers, utilities (SOC 43-5041), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Meter reader salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Meter readers earn the most in California at $79,040 a year, and the least in Mississippi at $37,120. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| California | $79,040 | 810 |
| Pennsylvania | $78,450 | 860 |
| Nevada | $76,120 | 160 |
| Minnesota | $73,930 | 120 |
| Colorado | $66,550 | 150 |
| Washington | $65,900 | 390 |
| Connecticut | $64,180 | 140 |
| Oregon | $63,660 | 120 |
| New Jersey | $63,030 | 870 |
| Alaska | $62,690 | 40 |
| Wyoming | $61,470 | 50 |
| Iowa | $60,940 | 120 |
| Michigan | $60,870 | 270 |
| Illinois | $60,690 | 570 |
| West Virginia | $59,430 | 280 |
| Delaware | $58,240 | 30 |
| New York | $56,960 | 930 |
| Rhode Island | $56,830 | 40 |
| Massachusetts | $54,150 | 300 |
| Hawaii | $51,910 | 50 |
| Kansas | $49,870 | 80 |
| Indiana | $49,200 | 330 |
| Missouri | $49,150 | 330 |
| New Mexico | $48,530 | 350 |
| South Carolina | $47,850 | 410 |
| Ohio | $47,780 | 1,070 |
| Alabama | $45,710 | 470 |
| Tennessee | $45,210 | 860 |
| Arizona | $44,760 | 360 |
| Kentucky | $44,450 | 690 |
| Virginia | $44,020 | 630 |
| Georgia | $43,140 | 670 |
| Texas | $43,030 | 1,360 |
| North Carolina | $41,830 | 640 |
| Florida | $40,610 | N/A |
| Oklahoma | $39,480 | 390 |
| Louisiana | $37,570 | 500 |
| Arkansas | $37,340 | 230 |
| Mississippi | $37,120 | 600 |
State median wages for meter readers, utilities (SOC 43-5041), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for meter readers
The BLS projects employment of meter readers to shrink from 2025 to 2035 (down 10.5%). That is a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. That works out to roughly 19,700 jobs in 2025 moving toward 17,600 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 1,400 openings a year for meter readers. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a meter reader
The typical entry-level education for meter readers is a high school diploma or equivalent, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete short-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
A four-year college degree is usually not required to start, which makes this one of the jobs you can enter without a bachelor's degree. See more high paying jobs without a degree .
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a meter reader earns
Employer, industry, seniority, and metro area drive pay. Large organizations and high cost cities pay above small offices and entry-level roles.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (California, $79,040) and the lowest (Mississippi, $37,120) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 19,430 people work as meter readers in the United States. At $48,150 a year, the job pays below the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Meter reader salary FAQ
How much does a meter reader make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a meter reader is $23.15. The middle half of meter readers earn between $18.95 and $31.61 per hour.
What is the highest meter reader salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of meter readers earn more than $85,930 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a meter reader make a year?
The median annual salary for a meter reader is $48,150. The average (mean) wage of $55,380 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a meter reader a well paid job?
At $48,150 a year, a meter reader earns below the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 19,430 people work as meter readers in the United States.
Which state pays meter readers the most?
California has the highest median salary for meter readers at $79,040 a year. Pennsylvania ($78,450) and Nevada ($76,120) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a meter reader a good career?
Employment of meter readers is projected to shrink 10.5% from 2025 to 2035, a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. The BLS projects about 1,400 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a meter reader?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for meter readers as a high school diploma or equivalent, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
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