Postal Mail Carrier
| Description |
OES Code: 57305 |
Sort mail for delivery. Deliver mail on established route by vehicle or on foot.
Wages, Hourly
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$15.03 |
| 25th Percentile |
$15.87 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) |
$17.03 |
| 75th Percentile |
$18.20 |
Wages by California County
Hours & Benefits
Postal mail carriers are classified as casual, part-time flexible, part-time regular, or full time. Casuals are hired for 90 days at a time to help process and deliver mail, during peak mailing or vacation periods. Part-time flexible workers do not have a regular work schedule or weekly guarantee of hours of hours but are called in as the need arises. Part time regulars have a set work schedule of fewer than 40 hours per week, often replacing regular full-time workers on their scheduled day off. Full-time postal employees work a 40 hour week over a 5-day period.
Fringe benefits include paid sick leave, vacation, holiday leave, life insurance, and low-cost health insurance.
Employment Trends
| Employment 1998 |
39,200 |
| Projected Employment 2008 |
40,600 |
| Percent Change 1996-2006 |
3.6% |
| Separations 1996-2006 |
11,200 |
Employment Trends by California County
Those seeking jobs as mail carriers can expect to encounter keen competition, because the number of applicants will continue to exceed the number of openings. Employment of postal clerks and mail carriers is expected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2008. However, some jobs will become available because of the need to replace those who retire or stop working for other reasons.
Advancement
Advancement in the Postal service can be achieved in three ways. (1) Employees may "bid" for a more desirable position within their classification. New assignments are given on the basis of qualifications and seniority. (2) Employees may take exams for positions at a higher level. (3) Supervisory positions are filled without a formal examination. Instead, candidates submit written self-evaluations of their qualifications. Employee evaluations submitted by current supervisors are also considered. These two evaluations are used by examining committee as the basis for selection.
Getting the Job & Other Information
Post office jobs are filled by Postal Service exams. The announcements for various postal exams are posted at local post offices and offices of the California Employment Development Department. Exam information is also available at the Federal Job Information Centers located in major metropolitan areas.
For a list of current job listing, browse Caljobs or America's Job Bank. |
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Education and Training
Experience is not generally required, and most training is on-the-job. All prospective employees must pass a written examination. In addition, all candidates must pass a physical examination prior to appointment. Employees who drive a postal vehicle must possess a valid California Driver's License and must pass the Post Service Road Test. These workers must also secure the appropriate Government Operator's Permit. Letter Carriers usually begin as substitute carriers.
Skills & Other Requirements
Mail Carriers should have the following qualities: courtesy and tactfullness when dealing with the public, especially when answering questions or receiving complaints; a good memory; the ability to read rapidly and accurately; good interpersonal skills.
References
US Bureau Of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Related Occupations: Material Moving Equipment Operators, File Clerks, Clerk Typists, Data Entry Operators, Messengers, Delivery-Route Truck Drivers, Cashiers
Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)
© 2000 California Occupation Information Coordinating Committee |
