In post office jobs, workers gather packages and letters. Responsibilities can include sorting incoming packages and letters. Also, workers offer stamps and other postal goods for sale. Post office workers will also obtain client signatures for certified, insured, and registered mail, handle a variety of postal equipment, and deliver packages and letters. In post offices, postal service clerks, also known as sales and services distribution associates, sell money orders, stamps, mailing envelopes, boxes, and other postal goods. These employees compute and collect postage, register, certify, and ensure mail, and respond to inquiries regarding postal issues. They might also assist with mail sorting.
The postal service in cities, villages, and rural locations, postal carriers delivers mail to residences and places of business. Most deliver and pick up mail along pre-established routes. Mail carriers can drive, walk, or a combination of both to cover their routes. Some postal workers collect money for unpaid postage. Others sell postal goods like money orders and stamps, especially in rural areas. Along with providing change-of-address cards and other postal paperwork upon request, mail carriers also respond to inquiries from consumers regarding postal policies and services. Incoming and outgoing mail are prepared for distribution in post offices and mail processing facilities by postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators, often known as mail handlers and processing clerks. They transport mail between processing facilities and load and unload postal trucks. They also run and modify mail sorting and processing equipment.
How To Be a Postal Service Worker
Postal service employees usually don’t need a formal education to work in these fields. However, as part of the application procedure, prospective hopefuls need to pass a written exam. Address cross comparison, form completion, memory and coding, and personal traits and experience are the four topics covered in the test. Get in touch with the post office or mail processing facility where you wish to work for additional details. Employees of the postal service are required to fulfill specific job requirements. For instance, they have to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, be at least eighteen years old, or sixteen with a high school diploma, and pass a drug test, a physical examination, and a criminal background check. Additionally, they might be challenged to demonstrate their ability to move and manage bulky mail sacks.
While entry into these professions usually does not require a formal education, the majority of postal service employees possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. On-the-job training for new postal service employees often lasts a few weeks. Inexperienced carriers may collaborate with more seasoned carriers. Employees of the postal service who drive a car must have a driver’s license. Before driving on the job, mail carriers must also pass a road test and have a safe driving record.
How Much Do Post Office Jobs Pay in the USA
In May 2024, the median yearly salary for postal service employees was $57,870. The wage at which half of the employees in a certain occupation made more than that amount and the other half made less is known as the median wage. The top ten percent made over $75,300, while the bottom ten percent made less than $42,390. The majority of postal employees are full-time, and some put in over 40 hours a week. Many employees of the postal service are required to work on Saturdays because mail is typically delivered six days a week. On Sundays, some people work as well.
Skills Needed For Post Office Jobs
Customer service abilitiesÂ
Employees of the postal service, especially clerks, frequently deal with consumers. They must therefore offer excellent customer service and be polite and sensitive.
Attention to DetailÂ
Workers in the postal service must be meticulous to sort and deliver mail accurately.
 Physical Strength
Employees in the postal service may have to stand or walk for extended periods. They also need to be able to lift and move bulky mail bags and packages.
Time-management AbilitiesÂ
Postal service workers sometimes need to prioritize and handle numerous jobs at once.
Visual Aptitude
Postal employees must be able to pass a state eye exam to obtain a driver’s license.
It is anticipated that the total number of postal service employees will decrease by 4% between 2023 and 2033. Over ten years, an average of 35,800 positions each year are anticipated for postal service employees, notwithstanding a decline in employment. It is anticipated that all of those positions will arise from the need to replace employees who change careers or leave the workforce for other reasons, such as retirement.
Read also:Teaching Assistant Jobs in USA With Visa Sponsorship
Post Office Jobs in the USA for Foreigners
A candidate must be a citizen of the United States, a lawful permanent resident immigrant (a person with a “green card”), or a citizen of American Samoa or another territory with a permanent allegiance to the United States to be eligible for career or noncareer Postal Service work. People who have only been given refugee status, asylum status, or conditional permanent residence status are not allowed to work for the Postal Service. Hiring undocumented aliens is illegal under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, which also mandates that companies confirm and record each new hire’s employment eligibility. For information about eligibility both during the screening process and following a job offer, see 55, Eligibility to Work in the Postal Service.
All Postal Service employment, including those at levels EAS-19 and lower, is open to noncitizens who have been given lawful permanent resident alien status in the United States. Only with the area vice president’s prior consent can noncitizens be appointed to positions at levels EAS-20 and higher.
Highest Paying Post Office Jobs in the USA
According to Payscale, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) pays its employees an average of $65,293 a year. Salaries at the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) range from an average of $44,170 to $95,678 a year. U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employees with the job title Operations Manager make the most with an average annual salary of $92,151. However, employees with the title Mail Handler make the least with an average annual salary of $50,132.
Job Title | Range | Average |
Postal Service Mail Carrier | $40k – $75k | $62,563 |
Postmaster | $58k – $99k | $77,206 |
United States Postal Worker (Carrier) | $40k – $68k | $55,627 |
Customer Service Supervisor | $51k – $92k | $70,978 |
Industrial Engineer | $57k – $125k | $83,142 |
Electronics Technician | $45k – $98k | $66,508 |
United States Postal Worker (Mail Processing Clerk) | $36k – $65k | $50,515 |
Advantages of Post Office Jobs
-
They can work outdoors
For people who don’t want to spend their days at a desk, working as a mail carrier may be particularly pleasurable. In addition to working, mail carriers can take advantage of the daily exercise and fresh air. Depending on the length of the journey, some mail carriers may also be able to choose to bike or walk their routes on pleasant days.
-
They are capable of working on their own
Being a mail carrier gives you the freedom to work on your own. The majority of mail carriers operate independently, preparing and delivering mail along their route. As long as they finish their mail deliveries, mail carriers are usually free to plan their schedules and take lunch breaks whenever they choose.
-
Their work security is good
Good job security is likely to result from the postal system’s importance to the nation. Also, Mail carriers will probably always be needed by the US Postal Service. If they choose to relocate, postal carriers may also have job options because the mail system serves the entire nation. Another federal job that frequently offers high benefits, such as health insurance or retirement financing, is that of a mail carrier.
-
They do not need to finish college
A college degree is usually not a requirement to work as a mail carrier, though there is some training involved. Additionally, for people who don’t want to go to college or take out student debt, this can be a good alternative. A high school degree or GED is normally required to work as a mail carrier, and those with little to no job experience are nevertheless welcome.
-
They have active jobs
On their routes, mail carriers frequently spend a lot of time walking, delivering mail and deliveries, and chatting with customers. Furthermore, those who appreciate possibilities for physical activity might find this appealing.
-
They feel connected to one another
Relationships can frequently form between mail carriers and the individuals they serve. As a result, they can establish enduring bonds with many of the individuals they regularly engage with and feel a sense of belonging to their local communities.
-
They have chances to grow in their careers
Promotions and specialized training programs are among the career progression options provided by the USPS. If you want to develop a long-term career with the company, this can be helpful.
-
Their salary is competitive
With years of service and promotions, mail carriers can command competitive pay. The national average income for a mail carrier is $41,218 annually, though exact pay may differ. Additionally, they can be eligible to receive overtime pay.
Conclusion
 Post office jobs in the USA are a good career path for those seeking stable, well-paying, and meaningful employment. This is because opportunities are available even without the need for a college degree. Whether you’re drawn to customer-facing roles, prefer the independence of being on the road, or enjoy the structured environment of a mail processing facility, there’s a position that suits you. Also, with median salaries reaching over $57,000 annually, there are other competitive benefits. Post office jobs offer job security, health insurance, and opportunities for advancement. Additionally, postal service careers remain a strong option in today’s job market.
Finally, if you’re ready to take the next step toward a steady and rewarding job, consider applying for a postal service position today. From high salaries and benefits to a strong sense of purpose. Post office jobs in the USA truly offer everything you need for a successful future.