Shigoto Zukan
日本語

How to become postal service mail carrierseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Logistics Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$60,550
25th–75th pct. $48,940–$81,000
Top pay (est.)
$105,400
Top 10% $81,040
Pay in 5 years
$69,600est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$80,100est.
$68,900–$93,000
Outlook score
33/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
43%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
−0.3%
20K openings / yr

How to become postal service mail carriers

Typical education
No formal educational credential
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Postal Service Mail Carriers

Key skills

Active Listening
3.0
Reading Comprehension
2.9
Social Perceptiveness
2.8
Speaking
2.8
Critical Thinking
2.8
Coordination
2.6
Time Management
2.4
Monitoring
2.2

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.7
Education and Training
3.1
English Language
3.0
Sales and Marketing
2.9
Public Safety and Security
2.9
Transportation
2.8
Administration and Management
2.6
Administrative
2.4

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentGetting InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionNear VisionManual DexterityControl PrecisionCategory Flexibility

Education of workers

High school diploma
78%
Less than high school
15%
Some college
7%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
60%
1–3 months
27%
None / short demo
12%
3–6 months
1%

Related work experience

None
76%
3–6 months
11%
Up to 1 month
8%
1–3 months
2%
1–2 years
1%
6–12 months
1%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as postal service mail carriers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.