Postal Mail Carrier
Description OES Code: 57305
Sort mail for delivery. Deliver mail on established route by vehicle or on foot.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $16.90
25th Percentile $17.94
50th Percentile $19.40
75th Percentile $20.87

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

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, California
Employment 1998 39,200
Projected Employment 2008 40,600
Percent Change 1998-2008 3.6%
Separations 1998-2008 11,200

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 490
Projected Employment 2006 540
Percent Change 1999-2006 10.2%
Separations 1999-2006 100

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Carriers spend most of their time outdoors, delivering mail in all kinds of weather. Even those who drive often must walk periodically when making deliveries and must lift heavy sacks of parcel post items when loading their vehicles. In addition, carriers must be cautious of potential hazards on their routes. Wet and icy roads and sidewalks can be treacherous, and each year dogs attack numerous carriers.

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 listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

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 tactfulness 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

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)