Occupation information for

Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.

Currently Employed: 43,800

Yearly Projected Openings: 810

Typical Hourly Wage: $17.49 - $31.01

Typical Annual Salary: $36,400 - $64,500

• Test valves and regulators for leaks and accurate temperature and pressure settings, using precision testing equipment.
• Turn meters on or off to establish or close service.
• Turn valves to allow measured amounts of air or gas to pass through meters at specified flow rates.
• Report hazardous field situations and damaged or missing meters.
• Install regulators and related equipment such as gas meters, odorization units, and gas pressure telemetering equipment.
• Record meter readings and installation data on meter cards, work orders, or field service orders, or enter data into hand-held computers.
• Shut off service and notify repair crews when major repairs are required, such as the replacement of underground pipes or wiring.
• Connect regulators to test stands, and turn screw adjustments until gauges indicate that inlet and outlet pressures meet specifications.
• Disassemble and repair mechanical control devices or valves, such as regulators, thermostats, or hydrants, using power tools, hand tools, and cutting torches.
• Examine valves or mechanical control device parts for defects, dents, or loose attachments, and mark malfunctioning areas of defective units.

• Blow torches
• Portable data input terminals
• Saws
• Screwdrivers
• Taps or dies

• Analytical or scientific software
• Data base user interface and query software
• Project management software
• Spreadsheet software