Considering a career that gets you out from behind a desk and serving your community? A position as a Mail Carrier for the United States Postal Service (USPS) offers stability, excellent federal benefits, and a clear path for salary progression. But what can you actually expect to earn?
This guide breaks down the salary of a USPS Mail Carrier, exploring the national averages and the key factors that can significantly influence your pay. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for postal service workers was $59,470 in May 2023. However, salaries can range from around $44,000 for entry-level positions to over $70,000 for experienced carriers in high-cost-of-living areas.
Let's deliver the details on what shapes a mail carrier's paycheck.
What Does a USPS Mail Carrier Do?
Before we dive into the numbers, it's essential to understand the role. A USPS Mail Carrier is the public face of the Postal Service, responsible for the timely and accurate delivery and collection of mail on a designated route. Their duties are physically demanding and require a high degree of reliability and organization.
Key responsibilities include:
- Sorting mail and packages for their route at a post office.
- Loading mail into a postal vehicle.
- Delivering mail to homes and businesses by vehicle or on foot.
- Collecting outgoing mail and payments for postage.
- Using handheld scanners to track packages and confirm deliveries.
- Answering customer questions about postal services and regulations.
Average USPS Mail Carrier Salary
When looking at national averages, it’s important to consider data from multiple sources to get a complete picture.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual salary of $59,470, or $28.59 per hour, for all postal service workers as of May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,660, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $70,830.
- Salary.com places the median U.S. salary for a Mail Carrier slightly higher, at around $61,150 as of early 2024, with a typical range falling between $55,360 and $68,300.
- Glassdoor estimates a total pay range of $46,000 to $72,000 per year for a USPS Mail Carrier,