Couriers and messengers
SOC Code: 43-5021Also known as:
Bank Courier, Bank Messenger, Bank Runner, Bicycle Messenger, Bill Distributor
Median Annual Salary
$38,340
+8.2% growth (2024-2034)
28K
Openings/Year
247K
Current Jobs
What Couriers and messengers Do
Pick up and deliver messages, documents, packages, and other items between offices or departments within an establishment or directly to other business concerns, traveling by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, automobile, or public conveyance.
💰 Salary
$38,340
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+8.2%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
28K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
247,200
Projected Employment (2034)
267,600
Related Careers
Postal service clerks
$61,630 •
-3.5% growth
Postal service mail carriers
$57,490 •
-3.5% growth
Shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks
$43,190 •
-7.7% growth
Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service
$38,150 •
-6.6% growth
Light truck drivers
$44,140 •
+7.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Time Management
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Deliver and pick up medical records, lab specimens, and medications to and from hospitals and other medical facilities.
- Obtain signatures and payments, or arrange for recipients to make payments.
- Record information, such as items received and delivered and recipients' responses to messages.
- Receive messages or materials to be delivered, and information on recipients, such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, and delivery instructions, communicated via telephone, two-way radio, or in person.
- Load vehicles with listed goods, ensuring goods are loaded correctly and taking precautions with hazardous goods.
- Walk, ride bicycles, drive vehicles, or use public conveyances to reach destinations to deliver messages or materials.
- Sort items to be delivered according to the delivery route.
- Deliver messages and items, such as newspapers, documents, and packages, between establishment departments and to other establishments and private homes.
- Unload and sort items collected along delivery routes.
- Plan and follow the most efficient routes for delivering goods.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do couriers and messengers make?
The median annual salary for couriers and messengers is $38,340.
What education do couriers and messengers need?
Most couriers and messengers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming couriers and messengers a good career choice?
Couriers and messengers is projected to see +8.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 27,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for couriers and messengers?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to couriers and messengers?
Couriers and messengers may also be known as: Bank Courier, Bank Messenger, Bank Runner, Bicycle Messenger, Bill Distributor, Bill Hiker, Bill Peddler, Call Person, Call Worker Person, Caller, Circular Distributor, Copy Chaser, Copy Messenger, Copy Worker, Courier, Courier Delivery Driver, Court Messenger, Crew Caller, Deliverer, Delivery Clerk.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.