Meter readers, utilities
SOC Code: 43-5041
Meter readers, utilities carries a 42% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $49,180 and -12.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 20,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Meter readers, utilities (SOC 43-5041) carries an AI exposure score of 42%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 20,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -12.0% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $49,180, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Meter readers, utilities. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Read electric, gas, water, or steam consumption meters and enter data in route books or hand-held computers.
- 2. 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.
- 3. Walk or drive vehicles along established routes to take readings of meter dials.
- 4. Inspect meters for unauthorized connections, defects, and damage, such as broken seals.
- 5. Verify readings in cases where consumption appears to be abnormal, and record possible reasons for fluctuations.
- 6. Report to service departments any problems, such as meter irregularities, damaged equipment, or impediments to meter access, including dogs.
- 7. Leave messages to arrange different times to read meters in cases in which meters are not accessible.
- 8. Connect and disconnect utility services at specific locations.
- 9. Answer customers' questions about services and charges, or direct them to customer service centers.
- 10. Update client address and meter location information.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Service Orientation
- Time Management
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
- Building and Construction
- Transportation
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Meter readers, utilities?
Meter readers, utilities has an AI exposure score of 42%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Meter readers, utilities?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Meter readers, utilities is projected to decline by 12.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 20,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Meter readers, utilities?
Key skills for Meter readers, utilities include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Meter readers, utilities earn?
The median annual wage for Meter readers, utilities is $49,180, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Meter readers, utilities?
The typical entry-level education for Meter readers, utilities is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Meter readers, utilities?
Meter readers, utilities roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).