What Does a Mail Carrier Do?

Mail carriers are primarily responsible for collecting and delivering mail processed by the US Postal Service (USPS). They are federal employees who must meet strict standards in order to be hired.

USPS mail carriers deliver mail to homes and businesses in cities, towns, and rural areas. They travel planned routes, collecting and delivering mail, obtaining signatures, and answering customer questions about postal regulations and services. Mail may be delivered on foot or by mail truck, depending on the location. Delivery occurs regardless of the weather, although schedules may be delayed.

Mail Carrier Duties & Responsibilities

The primary duties for mail carriers include:

• Sorting and preparing mail at the post office
• Delivering and collecting mail along a designated route
• Collecting money for cash-on-delivery and postage-due mail
• Obtaining signatures for registered, certified, and insured mail
• Answering questions from customers about USPS procedures and services

Mail carriers must perform repetitive tasks, such as sorting and delivering mail, that can result in injury. They must be able to lift heavy mail sacks, as well as deliver mail in all kinds of weather. Medical assessments are performed on job candidates to ensure that they can meet the physical rigors of the job.

Mail Carrier Salary

Mail carriers' salaries vary according to the frequency of their shifts, as employees who work nights and Sundays can earn higher than the normal rate for the day shift. In addition, the USPS pays overtime for hours worked beyond eight in one day or 40 in one week.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a classification for postal workers, which includes mail carriers, as earning the following:

• Median Annual Salary: $57,260 ($27.53/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $59,860 ($28.78/hour)
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: $33,430 ($16.07/hour)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017

Education, Training, & Certification

A candidate hired by the USPS must be at least 18 years old or 16 years old with a high school diploma. College degrees are not required for mail carriers; however, applicants must pass an exam that tests knowledge of mail distribution procedures and the ability to quickly and accurately check names and numbers.

Postal employment is limited to U.S. citizens, citizens of U.S. territories, and lawful permanent resident aliens. The USPS does not employ individuals who are only granted asylum, refugee, or conditional permanent resident status.

When accepted, applicants must undergo a criminal background check and pass a physical exam and a drug test. Applicants must also have a safe driving record.

Carriers are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and efficient manner. A basic familiarity with local geography is a necessity. Knowledge of basic postal laws, regulations, and products is also required.

Mail Carrier Skills & Competencies

Mail carriers should have the following skills and qualities to perform their job properly:

• Interpersonal skills: To interact with the public in a friendly, professional manner
• Organization and efficiency: To ensure that the proper mail is collected and delivered on time to the public
• Honesty and reliability: To ensure that mail containing personal information or money is delivered unopened and undamaged to the intended parties
• Physical strength and endurance: To carry heavy mail sacks and parcels for deliveries, and drive for long stretches of time

Mail carriers should understand the responsibility with which they are entrusted and perform their duties accurately and professionally.

Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of USPS mail carriers is expected to decline 12% to 2026. Automation of the mail sorting process reduces the amount of time that carriers spend on mail sorting. Therefore, mail carriers will have time to expand their routes, which will reduce the need to hire more carriers.

Work Environment

Much of a mail carrier’s time is spent outside of the post office, where weather conditions can be a factor in executing job duties. Urban routes often require carriers to deliver mail by foot, while carriers working in suburban and rural routes drive to mail delivery points.

Work Schedule

Most USPS workers are employed full-time. However, overtime is sometimes required, particularly during the holiday season. Because mail is delivered six days a week, many USPS workers work on Saturdays. Some may also work on Sundays.

Comparing Similar Jobs

Those interested in becoming a mail carrier may also want to consider these similar positions, along with their median annual salaries:

• Delivery Truck Driver and Driver/Sales Worker: $29,250
• Retail Sales Worker: $23,370

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017