Explore a possible path

Meter Readers, Utilities

Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.

How does this connect to your interests? →

A look at the work

  • Read electric, gas, water, or steam consumption meters and enter data in route books or hand-held computers.
  • 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.
  • Walk or drive vehicles along established routes to take readings of meter dials.
  • Verify readings in cases where consumption appears to be abnormal, and record possible reasons for fluctuations.
  • Install new or replace broken meters.
  • Inspect meters for unauthorized connections, defects, and damage, such as broken seals.
  • Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on meters.
  • Answer customers' questions about services and charges, or direct them to customer service centers.

A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.

Interests involved in this work

These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.

Hands-on

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

4.9 / 7

Investigative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

2.5 / 7

Creative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.0 / 7

Helping people

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

2.2 / 7

Enterprising

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.3 / 7

Organizing

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

6.6 / 7

Skills to explore

Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.

Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

2026-08

3.0 / 5

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

2026-08

3.0 / 5

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

2026-08

3.0 / 5

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

2026-08

2.9 / 5

Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

2026-08

2.9 / 5

Time Management

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

2026-08

2.9 / 5

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

2026-08

2.9 / 5

Service Orientation

Actively looking for ways to help people.

2026-08

2.8 / 5

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

2026-08

2.6 / 5

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

2026-08

2.6 / 5

Plan a small next step

Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.

Source preparation category: Job Zone 2 of 5 · 2026-08. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.

Source & methodology

O*NET-SOC code 43-5041.00 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.

How interest exploration matching works →

Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.