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Average Meter Readers, Utilities Salary in California

Meter Readers, Utilities in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $78,570, significantly surpassing the national average of $60,910. This substantial difference is largely attributed to California's robust economy, higher operational costs for utility companies, and potentially greater demand for skilled professionals in a state with a vast and complex infrastructure network.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $78,570 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $99,840.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 890 Meter Readers, Utilities, California presents a moderately sized, yet concentrated, job market. The Location Quotient of 0.39 indicates that this role is less concentrated in California compared to the national average, suggesting that while the absolute number of jobs might not be overwhelmingly high, the demand relative to the national distribution is present, pointing towards a stable job market for these professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$78,570

The average Meter Readers, Utilities in California earns+29.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$37.8

Weekly

$1,511

Monthly

$6,548

Meter Readers, Utilities Salary Distribution in California

The salary progression for Meter Readers, Utilities in California typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear career progression path and the increasing value placed on expertise and reliability in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$50,860$24.5
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$58,928$28.3
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$78,970$38
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$98,213$47.2
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$99,840$48

Detailed Meter Readers, Utilities Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$78,570

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$56,729

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the nominal average salary of $78,570 in California is attractive, it's crucial to consider the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5, which is substantially higher than the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the $78,570 salary is diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living, requiring careful financial planning for residents.

Job Market Context

890

Total Jobs

0.049

Per 1K Jobs

0.39

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.39x, California has a notably lower concentration of Meter Readers, Utilities jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

The Location Quotient of 0.39 for Meter Readers, Utilities in California suggests that this profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This could imply that while the overall number of these jobs is not disproportionately high, the market might be less saturated, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for qualified individuals seeking employment in this sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Meter Readers, Utilities

CitySalaryDist.
Bakersfield-Delano, CA Meter Readers, Utilities Salary$85,710↑ 9%64 mi

Comparing salaries near California

Hiring Meter Readers, Utilitiess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Meter Readers, Utilities make in California?

The median annual salary for a Meter Readers, Utilities in California is $78,570. This typically ranges from $50,860 for entry-level positions to $99,840 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 29.0% higher than the national median of $60,910.

Is California a lucrative place for Meter Readers, Utilities?

Yes, with caveats.California offers a significantly higher average salary for Meter Readers, Utilities than the national average. However, this is tempered by a considerably higher cost of living, which impacts the real value of that income.

Is California a good place to live for Meter Readers, Utilities?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bakersfield-Delano, CA ($85,710) and others.

What is the average salary for a Meter Reader in California?

The average annual salary for a Meter Reader, Utilities in California is $78,570.

How does California's salary compare to the national average for this role?

Meter Readers, Utilities in California earn approximately $17,660 more annually than the national average of $60,910.

Is the job market for Meter Readers, Utilities strong in California?

The market is moderately sized with a lower concentration than the national average, suggesting stable demand without extreme saturation.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in California?

California's high cost of living (138.5 index) means that the higher nominal salary of $78,570 has less purchasing power than it would in a lower-cost state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 890 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.049 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Meter Readers, Utilities • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California