The United States Postal Service (USPS) is one of the largest employers in the U.S., offering stable government jobs with benefits. If you’re looking for a mail carrier position, this guide covers everything you need to know—requirements, pay, application steps, and insider tips to get hired.
1. Types of USPS Mail Carrier Jobs
USPS hires for several mail delivery roles, including:
A. City Carrier Assistant (CCA)
- Entry-level position (non-career, but can lead to permanent roles)
- Delivers mail on foot or by vehicle in urban areas
- Flexible hours (including weekends)
B. Rural Carrier Associate (RCA)
- Serves rural routes (often requires personal vehicle + mileage reimbursement)
- More flexible schedule than CCA (but no guaranteed hours)
- Can lead to career Rural Carrier position
C. Career City/Rural Carrier
- Permanent, full-time roles with full federal benefits
- Requires prior experience (often as a CCA/RCA first)
2. USPS Mail Carrier Requirements
To qualify, you must:
✔ Be 18+ years old (or 16+ with a high school diploma)
✔ Pass a background check & drug screening
✔ Have a valid driver’s license (good driving record required)
✔ Be able to lift 70 lbs and walk long distances in all weather
✔ No college degree needed
(U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required.)
3. USPS Mail Carrier Salary & Benefits
| Position | Hourly Pay | Annual Salary (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| City Carrier Assistant (CCA) | $19.33 – $20.38 | $40,000 – $45,000 |
| Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) | $19.94+ | $39,000 – $44,000 |
| Career City Carrier | $25+ | $52,000 – $60,000+ |
USPS Benefits Include:
✅ Federal health insurance (after 90 days for CCAs)
✅ Retirement plan (FERS) for career employees
✅ Paid vacation & sick leave (for career roles)
✅ Union protection (NALC for city carriers)
(Pay varies by location; overtime is common.)
4. How to Apply for USPS Mail Carrier Jobs
Step 1: Find Open Positions
- Visit USPS Careers → Search “City Carrier” or “Rural Carrier”
- Filter by location (jobs are posted by individual post offices)
Step 2: Submit Your Application
- Fill out Form 4747 (online application)
- No resume needed (but list prior work experience)
Step 3: Take the Virtual Assessment (Exam 474)
- 30-minute online test (customer service, address checking, personality questions)
- Tips to pass:
- Answer consistently (USPS looks for reliability)
- Practice address sorting (sample tests here)
Step 4: Background Check & Interview
- Fingerprinting & motor vehicle record check
- Interview questions (e.g., “How would you handle an angry customer?”)
Step 5: Job Offer & Training
- 1-3 weeks of paid training (classroom + shadowing)
- Probation period (90 days for CCAs)
5. Pros & Cons of USPS Mail Carrier Jobs
✅ Advantages
✔ Government job stability (even part-time roles lead to careers)
✔ No degree required
✔ Good benefits (after probation)
✔ Stay active (not desk-bound)
❌ Challenges
❌ Physically demanding (long hours, heavy lifting)
❌ Weather conditions (heat, snow, rain)
❌ CCA/RCA roles lack guaranteed hours
6. Tips to Get Hired Faster
🔹 Apply to multiple locations (urban offices hire more CCAs)
🔹 Check for “urgently hiring” postings (faster onboarding)
🔹 Reapply if rejected (USPS allows retakes of Exam 474 after 6 months)
🔹 Highlight customer service experience (key for the interview)
Final Thoughts
USPS mail carrier jobs offer a path to federal employment without a degree, but the work can be tough. If you enjoy being outdoors, independent work, and serving your community, this could be a great fit.
Ready to apply? Start here: USPS Careers Portal