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Meter Readers, Utilities vs Public Safety Telecommunicators: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Meter Readers, Utilities

Median Salary
$54,145
Average (Mean)
$56,744
Employed Nationwide
16,270
VS

Public Safety Telecommunicators

Median Salary
$53,894
Average (Mean)
$55,326
Employed Nationwide
102,490
Meter Readers, Utilities earns $251 more (0.5%)
Meter Readers, Utilities vs Public Safety Telecommunicators national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Meter Readers, UtilitiesMeter Readers, UtilitiesMeter Readers, Utilities: $54,146$54,146Public Safety TelecommunicatorsPublic Safety Telecommunicat…Public Safety Telecommunicators: $53,895$53,895

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $54,145 $53,894
Average (Mean) Salary $56,744 $55,326
Total Employment 16,270 102,490
States with Higher Pay 18 21

Salary by State: Meter Readers, Utilities vs Public Safety Telecommunicators

Showing 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. Meter Readers, Utilities pays more in 18 states; Public Safety Telecommunicators pays more in 21.

State Meter Readers, Utilities Public Safety Telecommunicators Difference
Alabama $45,710
$38,960
+$6,750
Alaska $62,690
$66,660
$-3,970
Arizona $44,760
$56,600
$-11,840
Arkansas $37,340
$38,240
$-900
California $79,040
$80,120
$-1,080
Colorado $66,550
$63,520
+$3,030
Connecticut $64,180
$62,410
+$1,770
Delaware $58,240
$53,140
+$5,100
Florida $40,610
$50,170
$-9,560
Georgia $43,140
$42,790
+$350
Hawaii $51,910
$57,020
$-5,110
Illinois $60,690
$61,260
$-570
Indiana $49,200
$49,050
+$150
Iowa $60,940
$56,770
+$4,170
Kansas $49,870
$45,110
+$4,760
Kentucky $44,450
$45,670
$-1,220
Louisiana $37,570
$38,550
$-980
Massachusetts $54,150
$61,720
$-7,570
Michigan $60,870
$53,310
+$7,560
Minnesota $73,930
$66,550
+$7,380
Mississippi $37,120
$34,510
+$2,610
Missouri $49,150
$46,990
+$2,160
Nevada $76,120
$60,040
+$16,080
New Jersey $63,030
$59,240
+$3,790
New Mexico $48,530
$49,060
$-530
New York $56,960
$61,450
$-4,490
North Carolina $41,830
$46,550
$-4,720
Ohio $47,780
$58,100
$-10,320
Oklahoma $39,480
$39,890
$-410
Oregon $63,660
$71,980
$-8,320
Pennsylvania $78,450
$49,890
+$28,560
Rhode Island $56,830
$58,310
$-1,480
South Carolina $47,850
$43,540
+$4,310
Tennessee $45,210
$46,390
$-1,180
Texas $43,030
$50,040
$-7,010
Virginia $44,020
$50,490
$-6,470
Washington $65,900
$78,850
$-12,950
West Virginia $59,430
$40,490
+$18,940
Wyoming $61,470
$50,600
+$10,870

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Meter Readers, Utilities vs Public Safety Telecommunicators salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Meter Readers, Utilities or Public Safety Telecommunicators?
On average across all states, a Meter Readers, Utilities earns more than a Public Safety Telecommunicators. The national median salary difference is $251 (0.5%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Meter Readers, Utilities earn more than a Public Safety Telecommunicators?
A Meter Readers, Utilities earns a higher median salary than a Public Safety Telecommunicators in 18 out of 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Public Safety Telecommunicators pays more in 21 states.
What is the median salary for a Meter Readers, Utilities vs Public Safety Telecommunicators?
The national median salary for a Meter Readers, Utilities is $54,145 per year, compared to $53,894 for a Public Safety Telecommunicators, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Meter Readers, Utilities or Public Safety Telecommunicators?
There are more people employed as Public Safety Telecommunicators. BLS reports approximately 16,270 Meter Readers, Utilities positions and 102,490 Public Safety Telecommunicators positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Meter Readers, Utilities or Public Safety Telecommunicators?
Both Meter Readers, Utilities and Public Safety Telecommunicators are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.

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