Postal service mail carriers
SOC Code: 43-5052Also known as:
Carrier, Carrier Associate, Carrier Driver, City Carrier, City Carrier Assistant (CCA)
Median Annual Salary
$57,490
-3.5% growth (2024-2034)
21K
Openings/Year
319K
Current Jobs
What Postal service mail carriers Do
Sort and deliver mail for the United States Postal Service (USPS). Deliver mail on established route by vehicle or on foot. Includes postal service mail carriers employed by USPS contractors.
💰 Salary
$57,490
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-3.5%
Decline
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
21K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
319,400
Projected Employment (2034)
308,100
Related Careers
Cargo and freight agents
$49,900 •
+8.5% growth
Couriers and messengers
$38,340 •
+8.2% growth
Postal service clerks
$61,630 •
-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
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Social Perceptiveness
Time Management
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Scan labels on letters or parcels to confirm receipt.
- Obtain signed receipts for registered, certified, and insured mail, collect associated charges, and complete any necessary paperwork.
- Return to the post office with mail collected from homes, businesses, and public mailboxes.
- Sort mail for delivery, arranging it in delivery sequence.
- Deliver mail to residences and business establishments along specified routes by walking or driving, using a combination of satchels, carts, cars, and small trucks.
- Meet schedules for the collection and return of mail.
- Sign for cash-on-delivery and registered mail before leaving the post office.
- Hold mail for customers who are away from delivery locations.
- Turn in money and receipts collected along mail routes.
- Leave notices telling patrons where to collect mail that could not be delivered.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do postal service mail carriers make?
The median annual salary for postal service mail carriers is $57,490.
What education do postal service mail carriers need?
Most postal service mail carriers positions require a no formal educational credential.
Is becoming postal service mail carriers a good career choice?
Postal service mail carriers is projected to see -3.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 20,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for postal service mail carriers?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to postal service mail carriers?
Postal service mail carriers may also be known as: Carrier, Carrier Associate, Carrier Driver, City Carrier, City Carrier Assistant (CCA), City Letter Carrier, City Mail Carrier, Clerk Carrier, Collector, Delivery and Mail Sorter, Delivery Route Carrier, Letter Carrier, Mail Carrier, Mail Carrier Technician, Mail Clerk, Mail Deliverer, Mail Delivery Driver, Mail Messenger, Mail Rider, Mailman.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.