Meter Readers, Utilities
The short answer
This job is expected to meaningfully change. AI can already assist with or automate many of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 1,618 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second most exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. That doesn't mean the job goes away—it means more of its tasks are the kind AI can help with.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a third of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second most exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.
AI can help with or automate about 50% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Read electric, gas, water, or steam consumption meters and enter data in route books or hand-held computers.
AI could help, but needs extra software
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.
AI could do much of this on its own
Verify readings in cases where consumption appears to be abnormal, and record possible reasons for fluctuations.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Leave messages to arrange different times to read meters in cases in which meters are not accessible.
AI could do much of this on its own
Answer customers' questions about services and charges, or direct them to customer service centers.
AI could do much of this on its own
Tasks AI can't do much of
Walk or drive vehicles along established routes to take readings of meter dials.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Inspect meters for unauthorized connections, defects, and damage, such as broken seals.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Report to service departments any problems, such as meter irregularities, damaged equipment, or impediments to meter access, including dogs.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Connect and disconnect utility services at specific locations.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Report lost or broken keys.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
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