The US Postal Service offers stable government jobs with excellent benefits across America. With over 600,000 employees, USPS is one of the nation’s largest employers. Here’s your complete guide to landing a postal service job.
📌 Current USPS Job Openings (2024-2025)
These positions are hiring nationwide:
🚚 Delivery & Mail Processing
- City Carrier Assistant (CCA)
» $19.33-$20.38/hour + overtime
» Delivers mail in urban areas - Rural Carrier Associate (RCA)
» $19.94+/hour + mileage reimbursement
» Serves rural routes (may use personal vehicle) - Mail Handler Assistant
» $18.69+/hour
» Processes packages in plants
🏪 Retail & Customer Service
- Sales & Services Associate
» $18-$22/hour
» Works at post office counters - PSE (Postal Support Employee)
» $18.69-$20.05/hour
» Mail sorting and retail support
👔 Management & Professional
- Supervisor, Customer Services
» $55,000-$75,000/year
» Manages postal operations - Postmaster Positions
» $65,000-$95,000/year
» Runs local post offices
✅ USPS Hiring Requirements
To qualify for most entry-level positions:
- Be 18+ years old (or 16+ with diploma)
- Pass background check & drug screening
- Have clean driving record (for carrier roles)
- Able to lift 70 lbs and work in all weather
- No college degree required
📝 How to Apply in 4 Steps
1. Search for Jobs
- Visit USPS Careers
- Filter by location/job type
2. Complete Application
- Fill out Form 4747
- Take Virtual Assessment (Exam 474)
» Includes address checking & customer service questions
3. Interview & Screening
- In-person interview at local post office
- Fingerprinting & background check
- Medical/drug screening
4. Job Offer & Training
- 1-3 weeks paid training
- 90-day probation period
💰 USPS Pay & Benefits
| Position | Starting Pay | Top Pay | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCA | $19.33/hr | $25+/hr | ✅ Health insurance after 90 days |
| Career Employee | $25+/hr | $35+/hr | ✅ Federal pension (FERS) |
| Management | $55K/year | $95K+/year | ✅ TSP (government 401k) |
Additional Perks:
- Union protection (NALC, NRLCA)
- Paid vacation & sick leave
- Promotion opportunities
- Job security
⚡ 5 Tips to Get Hired Faster
- Apply to multiple locations – Urban offices hire quickest
- Ace Exam 474 – Practice address checking tests
- Be available weekends – Increases hiring chances
- Follow up after applying – Call local post office
- Reapply if rejected – Can retry every 6 months
🚫 Common Disqualifiers
- Recent drug use (including marijuana)
- Felony convictions
- Poor driving record
- Dishonesty on application
📅 Hiring Timeline
- Application to offer: 2-8 weeks
- Background check: 1-3 months
- First paycheck: Within 2 weeks of starting
Start your postal career today:
USPS Careers Website