There are currently an estimated 34,800 meter readers in the United States. The meter reader job market is expected to shrink by -4.6% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are meter readers?

CareerExplorer rates meter readers with a F employability rating, meaning this career should provide poor employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 2,400 meter readers. That number is based on the retirement of 4,000 existing meter readers.

What’s the supply of meter readers?

The meter reader industry is concentrated in California, Texas, Indiana

Meter Reader job market by state

State Name Employed Meter Readers
California 3,300
Texas 2,640
Indiana 1,710
Georgia 1,500
Louisiana 1,430
Florida 1,420
Ohio 1,250
Pennsylvania 1,200
New York 1,190
Illinois 1,140
North Carolina 1,100
New Jersey 1,030
Missouri 930
Tennessee 910
Virginia 850
South Carolina 810
Kentucky 770
Arizona 770
Mississippi 740
Arkansas 720
Massachusetts 670
Kansas 660
Oklahoma 620
Alabama 570
Washington 560
Colorado 480
West Virginia 480
Wisconsin 340
Utah 340
Minnesota 310
Iowa 310
Oregon 310
New Mexico 220
Connecticut 190
Maryland 160
Idaho 140
New Hampshire 140
Nevada 130
Nebraska 120
Hawaii 120
North Dakota 110
Maine 90
Montana 80
Delaware 70
Wyoming 70
Alaska 60
Vermont 40