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For Educators: Military Resources

Postal Service Mail Carriers

Median Salary
56,330
Job Outlook
+3%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Federal Government

88%

Private for profit

10%

Self-employed

2%

Private not for profit

1%

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of postal service workers is projected to decline 4 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 35,800 openings for postal service workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$49,620

10%

$56,330

Median

$60,440

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    78%

  • Less than high school

    14%

  • Some college

    7%

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Education and Training
  • English Language
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Public Safety and Security

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.