Electricity meter reader

What does an Electricity Meter Reader do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An electricity meter reader is responsible for regularly reading and recording electricity consumption in households, businesses, and industries. The job involves visiting various properties, documenting meter readings, and sometimes checking that meters are functioning correctly or replacing faulty meters. The work environment is often varied, as tasks are performed both outdoors and indoors, frequently under different weather conditions and in various types of properties. The profession requires accuracy, a structured approach, and good customer service skills, as contact with customers occurs regularly.

Salary Development Over Time

The profession of electricity meter reading has shown steady but positive salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 25,000 SEK, increasing to 25 800 SEK in 2023. The latest statistics from 2024 show a further increase to 26 600 SEK, corresponding to a roughly 6.4% increase over three years. The salary growth reflects a general trend in service professions where demand for precise readings and technical knowledge has increased, especially with the development of smart grids and digital meters. Competition for skilled workers and higher demands on customer interaction may also have contributed to the positive salary trend for electricity meter readers.

Electricity Meter Reader Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 26 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 25,500 SEK/month (female, private sector employee)
• Highest salary: 35,100 SEK/month (female, private sector worker, with less than 3 years post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage (average): 160 SEK
• Men's average salary: 26 700 SEK
• Women's average salary: 26 400 SEK
• Women earn: 99% of what men do
• Regional differences: Some variation exists, but overall relatively small salary differences between regions.

Education and Qualifications

The path to working as an electricity meter reader is often relatively short and usually requires no extensive formal education. Many employers offer internal training, but a basic high school diploma and technical interest are highly meritorious. Practical skills, accuracy, and some computer familiarity are also important for the profession. For those looking to increase their chances of employment, shorter courses in electrical engineering or energy technology can be advantageous.

• High school diploma: Usually electrical or technical program
• Internal training: Often provided by the employer
• Short courses: Electrical engineering, energy technology, or occupational safety
• Prerequisites: Driver’s license B and computer skills are often desired
• Internship: May occur in conjunction with employment

Common Benefits and Compensation

Benefits for electricity meter readers often include a company car or travel allowance, work clothing, and sometimes wellness contributions. Other common compensations include overtime pay for work outside regular hours and flexible scheduling depending on the employer and season.

Competition and Challenges

The competition for jobs as an electricity meter reader is moderate, but automation of meter reading means some tasks are changing over time. At the same time, personnel are still needed for manual inspections, troubleshooting, and service visits. Challenges in the profession often involve working independently, handling varying weather conditions, and maintaining high accuracy even during monotonous tasks. The industry’s move toward smart grids also requires some technical adaptability and a willingness to learn new systems and routines.

Tips for Aspiring Electricity Meter Readers

To succeed as an electricity meter reader, it’s good to be precise and responsible, as the work requires accurate readings and proper equipment handling. A structured approach helps plan daily routes and reduces mistakes. Good communication skills are valuable when interacting with customers and colleagues. Flexibility and a positive attitude facilitate working outdoors and indoors. Technical interest and computer skills make it easier to understand new meter systems and digital tools quickly. Independence is an important trait, as the work often takes place alone and requires initiative. Finally, good physical fitness is an advantage, as the job sometimes involves longer walks or visits to hard-to-access environments.

Key Facts About Electricity Meter Readers

• Education level: High school diploma, often with a technical focus
• Work environment: Varied, both outdoors and indoors
• Typical employment type: Permanent employment, sometimes hourly
• Demand: 481 available jobs according to latest statistics
• Special skills: Computer familiarity and technical understanding

Career Paths and Future Prospects

After three to five years as an electricity meter reader, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, technical support, or further training as an electrician or meter technician. Digitalization and the development of smart grids mean new skills are in demand, especially in troubleshooting and installing digital meters. According to the Employment Service’s forecasts, demand for the category of other service workers – including electricity meter readers – is expected to remain stable in the coming years, due to the need for supervision, maintenance, and customer service. Technological developments also enable expanding skills and taking on more qualified tasks within the energy sector.

Common Questions About Electricity Meter Readers

• What does an Electricity Meter Reader earn?
  - The average salary is 26 600 SEK per month, with variations between 25,500 and 35,100 SEK depending on experience, education, and employer.
• Is training required to become an Electricity Meter Reader?
  - Usually, a high school diploma is needed, preferably with a technical focus, but many employers offer internal training.
• What is the job market like for Electricity Meter Readers?
  - Demand is stable with 481 available jobs according to the latest statistics, but digitalization influences the role.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Accuracy, independence, technical interest, and good customer service skills are central.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, but the difference is small; women earn 99% of what men do in the profession.
• What benefits are usually included?
  - Common benefits include company car or travel allowance, work clothing, and sometimes wellness contributions.
• Can you develop within the profession?
  - Yes, there are opportunities for further training and advancement to supervisory or more technical roles.