Meter Readers, Utilities Salary in California
The median pay for a meter readers, utilities in California is $78,970/year ($37.97/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $51K at the entry level to $100K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $79K get you in California?
About meter readers, utilities
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level meter readers, utilities (10th percentile) start around $51K. Mid-career wages sit at $79K.Top earners bring in $100K or more - a $49K spread from bottom to top.
Meter Readers, Utilities pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $88K | +78% | 230 |
| Nebraska | $85K | +72% | 110 |
| California | $79K | +61% | 890 |
| Illinois | $79K | +60% | 770 |
| Nevada | $72K | +46% | 140 |
| New York | $69K | +40% | 870 |
| Washington | $67K | +37% | 380 |
| Minnesota | $66K | +35% | 270 |
| Montana | $66K | +35% | 40 |
| Oregon | $62K | +26% | 140 |
| Maine | $62K | +25% | 30 |
| West Virginia | $60K | +22% | 400 |
| Wyoming | $60K | +22% | 50 |
| Connecticut | $59K | +19% | 110 |
| Iowa | $59K | +19% | 80 |
Track meter readers, utilities salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do meter readers, utilities make in California?
The median is $78,970 a year - that works out to about $37.97 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $50,860, and experienced meter readers, utilities can clear $99,840. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $79K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,038/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 43.7% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a meter readers, utilities salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median meter readers, utilities salary is worth about $78,970 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do meter readers, utilities get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.