Postal Worker Salary: How Much Do They Really Make?
Postal workers sort and deliver mail, sell postal products, assist customers at post office windows, and operate mail processing equipment. They work for the United States Postal Service (USPS) as mail carriers, mail sorters, or postal clerks. Postal workers are federal employees with strong job security and benefits.
Postal Worker Salary by Experience Level
Postal Worker Salary by State (Top 10)
Postal Worker Salary by City (Top 10 Metros)
How to Become a Postal Worker
To become a postal worker, you need a high school diploma or equivalent and must be at least 18 years old (or 16 with a high school diploma). You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and pass a background check, drug screening, and medical examination.
Applicants must take a postal exam (assessments 474, 475, 476, or 477 depending on the position). These assessments evaluate your work scenarios, personality traits, and basic abilities. Scoring well on the assessment is essential, as candidates are ranked by score. Study guides and practice tests can help improve your score.
For mail carrier positions, you need a valid driver's license with a safe driving record and must pass a road test in a postal vehicle. You must also be able to lift 70 pounds and carry mail in various weather conditions.
New postal employees start as part-time or casual employees and work toward permanent (career) positions. Career employees receive full benefits and step increases in pay over time. Advancement opportunities include supervisor, postmaster, or district-level management positions. The USPS also has opportunities in maintenance, IT, and administrative roles.
Job Outlook for Postal Workers
-4% growth — DecliningThe job outlook for postal workers shows a slight decline of about 4% from 2022 to 2032, primarily due to the decrease in first-class mail volume and increased automation in mail processing. However, the growth of package delivery driven by e-commerce has partially offset this decline.
Despite the declining outlook, the USPS still hires tens of thousands of workers annually to replace those who retire or leave. The USPS is one of the largest employers in the country, and turnover creates ongoing opportunities. Mail carriers in particular remain in demand as package deliveries continue to grow.
Postal workers receive excellent federal benefits including health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans (FERS pension and TSP), paid holidays, vacation time, and sick leave. These benefits, combined with job security and predictable schedules, make postal employment attractive despite modest salaries.