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Postal Service Mail Carriers

O*NET files this work under Postal Service Mail Carriers: people who sort and deliver mail for the United States Postal Service (USPS). Its interest code is CRE. Conventional leads at 6.3 out of 7, so expect orderly work with data, records and clear procedures, with Realistic next at 3.6. The preparation level is some preparation, typically a few months to a year of learning on the job. O*NET’s skill data points to speaking, social perceptiveness, and critical thinking as the ones to build. You may also need to scan labels on letters or parcels to confirm receipt. People who want orderly work with data, records and clear procedures usually fit better here than those who need research, analysis and working through hard problems.

What they do

Sort and deliver mail for the United States Postal Service (USPS). Deliver mail on established route by vehicle or on foot. Includes postal service mail carriers employed by USPS contractors.

Main tasks

  • Scan labels on letters or parcels to confirm receipt.
  • Obtain signed receipts for registered, certified, and insured mail, collect associated charges, and complete any necessary paperwork.
  • Return to the post office with mail collected from homes, businesses, and public mailboxes.
  • Sort mail for delivery, arranging it in delivery sequence.
  • Deliver mail to residences and business establishments along specified routes by walking or driving, using a combination of satchels, carts, cars, and small trucks.
  • Meet schedules for the collection and return of mail.

Skills

  • Speaking
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Time Management
  • Coordination

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on speaking and social perceptiveness.

May not suit you if

  • You get restless with routine, records and exact procedures.
  • You want to spend most of your time analyzing and researching. Investigative rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code CRE takes the three highest, and Conventional comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • City Carrier
  • City Carrier Assistant (CCA)
  • City Letter Carrier
  • City Mail Carrier
  • Letter Carrier

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.