Postal Service Mail Carriers salary guide 2025: $60,550 median, career path, and outlook
The median salary for Postal Service Mail Carriers is $60,550, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With mean annual wages of $62,540—roughly $29 per hour—this occupation offers stable income even as employment shrinks. The typical range runs from $42,390 at the 10th percentile to $81,040 at the 90th.
How much Postal Service Mail Carriers earn
Nationally, the median annual wage for mail carriers is $60,550. Half of all workers earn between the 10th percentile ($42,390) and the 90th percentile ($81,040). The average hourly rate works out to about $29.
Pay scales with experience and location. Union contracts set step increases, so long-tenured carriers typically land near the top of the range. Overtime is common and can push earnings higher.
- Median annual wage: $60,550
- Mean annual wage: $62,540 ($29.03/hour)
- 10th percentile: $42,390
- 90th percentile: $81,040
Pay by state
Top-paying states for mail carriers include the District of Columbia ($64,250), Rhode Island ($63,610), Arizona ($62,390), California ($62,090), and Illinois ($62,070). These figures reflect cost-of-living adjustments and local labor agreements.
Lower-paying states include South Carolina ($57,700), West Virginia ($57,700), and Mississippi ($57,470). Even in those states, pay is within a few thousand dollars of the national median.
How to become Postal Service Mail Carrier
To become a mail carrier, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old (or 16 with a high school diploma), and pass a background check. A driver’s license and a safe driving record are required because carriers drive postal vehicles.
The hiring process starts on the USPS careers website. You take an online assessment; successful candidates are placed on a hiring list. New hires go through paid training that covers safety, mail sorting, and route procedures. No college degree is needed, but a high school diploma or GED is the standard.
Once hired, carriers are represented by the National Association of Letter Carriers. Union membership is automatic after a probationary period.
- Meet basic requirements: U.S. citizenship, 18+, driver’s license, clean record.
- Apply at usps.com/careers and take the assessment test.
- Complete paid on-the-job training (typically 2-4 weeks).
- Pass a 90-day probation period.
Job outlook
Employment of Postal Service Mail Carriers is projected to decline 3.5% from 2024 to 2034, reflecting ongoing efficiency improvements and declining mail volume. Despite the drop, about 20,600 openings per year are expected due to retirements and turnover.
Openings will be most available in high-turnover urban areas. Competition is stiffer for part-time or rural routes.
Frequently asked questions
Is being a mail carrier a good job in 2025?
It offers a solid median salary of $60,550 with union protection and benefits, but the occupation is shrinking. If you value stability and don’t mind physical work, it can be a good fit. Expect competition for full-time positions.
How long does it take to become a mail carrier?
Once you apply and pass the assessment, the hiring process can take several weeks to a few months. Training lasts 2-4 weeks, followed by a 90-day probationary period.
Do postal mail carriers get paid overtime?
Yes. Many carriers work overtime, especially during holidays. Pay is typically time-and-a-half after 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Postal Service Mail Carriers data.