CFChooseField
Office and Administration

Couriers and Messengers

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Couriers and Messengers
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Median pay

$38,340
Median annual pay for Couriers and Messengers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

8.2%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

27,900
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

247,200
Estimated U.S. employment for Couriers and Messengers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+20,400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Writing
  6. 6Monitoring

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2Transportation
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Public Safety and Security
  5. 5Administrative
  6. 6Geography

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Comprehension
  2. 2Oral Expression
  3. 3Far Vision
  4. 4Multilimb Coordination
  5. 5Near Vision
  6. 6Speech Recognition

Career interests

  1. 1Conventional
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Social
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Investigative
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Integrity
  4. 4Cautiousness
  5. 5Social Orientation
  6. 6Cooperation

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Documenting/Recording Information
  3. 3Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  4. 4Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  5. 5Handling and Moving Objects
  6. 6Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Work context

  1. 1Telephone Conversations
  2. 2Freedom to Make Decisions
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Time Pressure
  5. 5Contact With Others
  6. 6E-Mail

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyRoute mapping software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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