Mail Carrier
PrintWork Tasks
MAIL CARRIERS deliver and collect mail on foot or by vehicle along an established route. They deliver house-to-house and to roadside mailboxes. They may also deliver to large buildings such as offices or apartments They sort mail at the post office early in the morning and put it in the order it is to be delivered. Automated equipment has reduced the time that carriers need to sort mail. Besides delivering and collecting mail, carriers also collect money for postage-due, money orders, and C.O.D. (cash on delivery) fees.
Salary, Size & Growth
- $51,500 average per year ($24.75 per hour)
- A large occupation (325,000 workers in 2010)
- Expected to decline (0.1% per year)
Entry Requirements
MAIL CARRIERS must be U.S. citizens or be permanent resident-aliens in the United States, and be at least eighteen years old. Qualification is based on a written exam that measures speed and accuracy at checking names and numbers, and the ability to memorize mail distribution procedures. New workers are trained on the job by experienced workers. Many post offices offer classroom instruction on safety and defensive driving. Workers receive additional instructions when new equipment or procedures are introduced. Mail carriers must have a driver's license, a good driving record, and a passing grade on a road test.