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Postal Service Mail Carrier

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AVG. SALARY

$55,120

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EDUCATION

High school preferred +

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JOB OUTLOOK

Decreasing

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Business Management and Administration cluster Administrative Services pathway.

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

High school preferred, plus short term, on-the-job training

Postal service mail carriers must be at least 18 years old, or 16 years old with a high school diploma. They must be U.S. citizens or have permanent resident-alien status. Males must have registered with the Selective Service when they reached age 18. All applicants for these jobs must take a written exam and must have a good command of English.

Insider Info

Additional Information

Postal workers should have at least a high school diploma. Be prepared for a written examination that measures your speed and accuracy in tasks such as checking names and numbers. And if you pass, you might still have to wait for a full-time position.

"After taking the examination, applicants often wait more than a year before being hired as full-time employees," explains Sally Davidow. She is with a postal workers' union. "In smaller postal facilities, workers often begin on a part-time, flexible schedule. They can become regular or full time in order of seniority, as vacancies occur."

To better prepare for that full-time slot when it becomes available, letter carrier Matt Charlton suggest developing other skills.

"Interpersonal skills are important," he says. "Being able to listen to people and learn quickly is helpful. Logical thinking and problem-solving skills will come in handy on a daily basis. Honesty and impeccable trustworthiness are key, and a positive attitude helps immensely in any job."

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support