Meter Readers, Utilities salary in Columbia, SC
Meter Readers, Utilities in the Columbia, SC metro area earn a median of $43,270 a year ($20.80 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,150 for the lowest-paid 10% to $65,770 for the top 10%. That is 10% lower than the national median of $48,150. Pay here is 10% lower than the South Carolina statewide median of $47,850. There are 0.14 meter readers, utilities per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $46,920, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for meter readers, utilities in Columbia, SC
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,150 | $17.38 |
| 25th percentile | $39,330 | $18.91 |
| Median | $43,270 | $20.80 |
| 75th percentile | $53,250 | $25.60 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $65,770 | $31.62 |
| Average (mean) | $46,920 | $22.56 |
Half of meter readers, utilities earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,605.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,802.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,664.23 |
| Weekly | $832.12 |
| Hourly | $20.80 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Meter Readers, Utilities salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $50,570 | 50 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $48,480 | 100 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC | $46,220 | 40 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $45,980 | 130 |
Highest-paying states for meter readers, utilities
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $79,040 |
| Pennsylvania | $78,450 |
| Nevada | $76,120 |
| Minnesota | $73,930 |
| Colorado | $66,550 |
| Washington | $65,900 |
| Connecticut | $64,180 |
| Oregon | $63,660 |
| New Jersey | $63,030 |
| Alaska | $62,690 |
See Meter Readers, Utilities pay in every state or the South Carolina statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbia, SC
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks | $41,240 | $19.83 |
| Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks | $60,090 | $28.89 |
| Postal Service Mail Carrier | $55,610 | $26.74 |
| Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators | $58,470 | $28.11 |
| Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance | $47,550 | $22.86 |
| Couriers and Messengers | $37,550 | $18.05 |
| Public Safety Telecommunicator | $40,930 | $19.68 |
| Postal Service Clerk | $62,130 | $29.87 |
| Cargo and Freight Agents | $55,070 | $26.48 |
| Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping | $44,690 | $21.49 |
| Customer Service Representative | $37,430 | $18.00 |
| Office Clerks, General | $38,320 | $18.42 |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | $45,620 | $21.93 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers | $62,230 | $29.92 |
More: Office and Administrative Support Occupations · all salaries in Columbia, SC
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 43-5041. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a meter readers, utilities make in Columbia, SC?
The median salary for meter readers, utilities in the Columbia, SC metro area is $43,270 a year, or $20.80 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,150 for the lowest-paid 10% to $65,770 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid meter readers, utilities make in Columbia, SC?
The top 10% of meter readers, utilities in the Columbia, SC metro area earn at least $65,770 a year. The top 25% earn $53,250 or more.
What is the starting pay for meter readers, utilities in Columbia, SC?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,150 a year, and a quarter of meter readers, utilities earn $39,330 or less.
How many meter readers, utilities work in Columbia, SC?
About 50 meter readers, utilities are employed in the Columbia, SC metro area, not counting the self-employed.