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Mail Carrier Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A 970665284usps5.47united states postal service3.94post office3.66delivery driver1.84driver non cdl0.934631882278877.2521.6045.30HOURLY237966352025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Mail Carrier, or Mailman, is responsible for delivering letters and packages to commercial and residential areas along a particular route. Their duties include sorting and processing mail at a post office, collecting packages and return mail from drop-off points and traveling by car, bicycle or on foot to take each piece of mail to its intended destination.

970665284usps5.47united states postal service3.94post office3.66delivery driver1.84driver non cdl0.934631882278877.2521.6045.30HOURLY237966352025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Mail Carrier Duties and Responsibilities

In particular, Mail Carriers are responsible for:

  • Helping to sort and prepare the mail for delivery
  • Deliver mail to mail boxes, receptacles and other designated areas
  • Retrieve outgoing mail from businesses and residences
  • Collecting of monies for COD’s (Cash on Delivery) as well as mail marked “postage due”
  • Obtain signatures from customers for all mail that is registered, insured or certified
  • Lifting, carrying and delivering heavy bags of mail as well as packages of all sizes and leaving notices for packages that are undeliverable

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Mail Carrier Job Description Examples

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Job Description Best Practices
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What Does a 970665284usps5.47united states postal service3.94post office3.66delivery driver1.84driver non cdl0.934631882278877.2521.6045.30HOURLY237966352025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Mail Carrier Do?

Mail Carriers work for federal and private mail delivery services to reliably deliver parcels and letters from the sender to the recipient safely and in a timely manner. They plan out efficient mail routes and prepare mail bags by organizing letters based on where along the route they are going. Mail Carriers systematically load packages onto mail trucks and secure fragile packages to protect their contents. They identify which packages need a signature to confirm delivery and post notices if the recipient is not home instructing them on how to receive their package.

Mail Carrier Skills and Qualifications

There are many skills a 970665284usps5.47united states postal service3.94post office3.66delivery driver1.84driver non cdl0.934631882278877.2521.6045.30HOURLY237966352025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Mail Carrier would benefit from, including:

  • Interpersonal communication: Since they must interact with an array of employees, managers and patrons each day, Mail Carriers must be friendly and skills in written and verbal communication.
  • Strength and stamina: Mail Carriers must deliver mail in all types of weather. They must be able to walk and stand for long periods of time, while also carriers heavy bags and packages.
  • Ability to work alone: Although they do interact with many people throughout the day, Mail Carriers must be highly comfortable working alone.
  • Ethics: Given that Mail Carriers are tasked with handling an array of valuables and sensitive information, they must be highly ethical.
  • Reliability: The timely delivery of mail and packages is important for an array of reasons. Therefore, Mail Carriers must be highly reliable.

970665284usps5.47united states postal service3.94post office3.66delivery driver1.84driver non cdl0.934631882278877.2521.6045.30HOURLY237966352025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Mail Carrier Salary Expectations

The average Mail Carrier makes $19.06 an hour. This amount can depend on their level of experience, the area they have been assigned to and the hours they work. Additionally, since overtime is so common, the average postal worker makes $6,667 a year in overtime pay. The typical tenure for a 970665284usps5.47united states postal service3.94post office3.66delivery driver1.84driver non cdl0.934631882278877.2521.6045.30HOURLY237966352025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Mail Carrier is one to three years.

Mail Carrier Education and Training Requirements

The position of postal carrier is limited to U.S. citizens, citizens of U.S. territories, as well as permanent resident aliens. While 16-year-old high school students are occasionally hired, the average 970665284usps5.47united states postal service3.94post office3.66delivery driver1.84driver non cdl0.934631882278877.2521.6045.30HOURLY237966352025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Mail Carrier is 18 years of age with a diploma or G.E.D. Additionally, mail-carriers must past an exam that tests their general knowledge of Mail-Carrier procedures as well as assess their attention to detail. Once they have passed the exam and acquired the position, they must pass a drug test and physical exam. They must also pass a background check and have a safe driving record.

Mail Carrier Experience Requirements

In general, most Mail Carriers begin their careers as part-time employees. They then go on to become full-time employees and make bids for preferred routes, which are awarded based on the availability of positions, seniority as well as general skill level. They also have advancement programs that allow them to become eligible for supervisory positions in the future.

Job Description Samples for Similar Positions

If you aren’t looking for a Mail Carrier, consider these job descriptions for similar positions:

Job Description Best Practices
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Frequently asked questions about Mail Carriers

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Job Description Examples

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