CFChooseField
Office and Administration

Postal Service Mail Carriers

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Postal Service Mail Carriers
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Median pay

$57,490
Median annual pay for Postal Service Mail Carriers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-3.5%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

20,600
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

319,400
Estimated U.S. employment for Postal Service Mail Carriers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-11,300
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

No formal educational credential
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. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Monitoring
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Public Safety and Security
  4. 4Sales and Marketing
  5. 5Transportation
  6. 6Administration and Management

Abilities

  1. 1Information Ordering
  2. 2Near Vision
  3. 3Arm-Hand Steadiness
  4. 4Category Flexibility
  5. 5Oral Comprehension
  6. 6Problem Sensitivity

Career interests

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

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Integrity
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Cooperation
  6. 6Stress Tolerance

Work activities

  1. 1Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  2. 2Performing General Physical Activities
  3. 3Handling and Moving Objects
  4. 4Getting Information
  5. 5Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  6. 6Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Work context

  1. 1Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  2. 2In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
  3. 3Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  4. 4Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  5. 5Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  6. 6Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyAddress Management System AMSAutomated Data Collection System ADCSDelivery operations information system DOISDelivery Routing System DRSElectronic Time Clock ETCEnd of Run Report EORTime and Attendance Collection System TACS

Sources

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

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