As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Utility Meter Reader in California is $62,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, an Utility Meter Reader's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Utility Meter Reader Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $68,400 | $5,700 | $1,315 | $33 |
| Average | $62,100 | $5,175 | $1,194 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,200 | $4,683 | $1,081 | $27 |
Alexander's Contract Services, Inc - Sacramento, CA
Metering Specialties, Inc. - Barstow, CA
Otay Water District - San Diego, CA
Via Christi Village Hays - HAYS, KS
An Utility Meter Reader's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Utility Meter Reader's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Utility Meter Reader | 0-1 years | $62,029 |
| Gas Meter Installation and Maintenance Mechanic | 3-5 years | $98,466 |
| Utility Meter Operations Supervisor | 5+ years | $101,044 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Utility Meter Readers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Utility Meter Reader salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $67,796. While startup companies pay approximate $57,569.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $57,569 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $60,829 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $65,538 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $67,796 |
For Utility Meter Reader roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Utility Meter Reader positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Utility Meter Reader as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $68,310 | $33.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Utility Meter Reader's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $68,400 | $5,700 | $1,315 | $33 |
| Average | $62,100 | $5,175 | $1,194 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,200 | $4,683 | $1,081 | $27 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Utility Meter Reader, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Electric and Gas Distribution Operations Supervisor | $108,100 | 74% |
| Gas Meter Installation and Maintenance Mechanic | $98,500 | 59% |
| Lease Operator | $66,400 | 7% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Utility Meter Reader job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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