Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding customer needs and providing helpful, professional service.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Although no formal education is typically required to enter these occupations, most postal service workers have at least a high school diploma. All applicants for these jobs must pass a written exam. PayThe median annual wage for postal service workers was $59,880 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of postal service workers is projected to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 32,200 openings for postal service workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for postal service workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of postal service workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about postal service workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for postal service workers was $59,880 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of postal service workers is projected to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 32,200 openings for postal service workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for postal service workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of postal service workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about postal service workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of postal service workers is projected to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 32,200 openings for postal service workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for postal service workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of postal service workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about postal service workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Postal service workers sell postage and related products and collect, sort, and deliver mail.
Work Environment
Postal service clerks and mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators work indoors, typically in a post office. Mail carriers mostly work outdoors, delivering mail.
How to Become a Postal Service Worker
Although no formal education is typically required to enter these occupations, most postal service workers have at least a high school diploma. All applicants for these jobs must pass a written exam.
Pay
The median annual wage for postal service workers was $59,880 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of postal service workers is projected to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 32,200 openings for postal service workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for postal service workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of postal service workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about postal service workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Postal service clerks and mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators work indoors, typically in a post office. Mail carriers mostly work outdoors, delivering mail.
How to Become a Postal Service Worker
Although no formal education is typically required to enter these occupations, most postal service workers have at least a high school diploma. All applicants for these jobs must pass a written exam.
Pay
The median annual wage for postal service workers was $59,880 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of postal service workers is projected to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 32,200 openings for postal service workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for postal service workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of postal service workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about postal service workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for postal service workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of postal service workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about postal service workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about postal service workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.