Messengers
Description OES Code: 57311
Couriers and messengers move and distribute information, documents, and small packages for businesses, institutions, and government agencies. They pick up and deliver letters, important business documents, or packages that need to be sent or received quickly within a local area. Trucks and vans are used for larger deliveries, such as legal caseloads and conference materials. By sending an item by courier or messenger, the sender ensures that it reaches its destination the same day or even within the hour. Couriers and messengers also deliver items that the sender is unwilling to entrust to other means of delivery, such as important legal or financial documents, passports, airline tickets, or medical samples to be tested.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $6.66
25th Percentile $7.21
50th Percentile $9.08
75th Percentile $12.02

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $7.67
25th Percentile $8.36
50th Percentile $10.09
75th Percentile $18.03

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 14,500
Projected Employment 2008 16,800
Percent Change 1998-2008 15.9%
Separations 1998-2008 3,700

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 70
Projected Employment 2006 80
Percent Change 1999-2006 14.3%
Separations 1999-2006 10

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Couriers and messengers reach their destination by several methods. Many drive vans or cars or ride motorcycles. A few travel by foot, especially in urban areas or when making deliveries nearby. In congested urban areas, messengers often use bicycles to make deliveries. Bicycle messengers usually are employed by messenger or courier services.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Information about job opportunities may be obtained from local employers and local offices of the State employment service. Persons interested in courier and messenger jobs also may contact messenger and courier services, mail-order firms, banks, printing and publishing firms, utility companies, retail stores, or other large firms.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Skills & Other Requirements
Couriers and messengers must be able to receive and understand instructions given in person, by telephone, two-way radio, or wireless data service. They must also be able to read addresses and find locations, and maintain accurate records of deliveries. Reliability is essential in order to deliver items that the sender is unwilling to entrust to other means of delivery, such as important legal or financial documents, passports, airline tickets, or medical samples to be tested. To be a motored messenger, you will need a valid driver’s licence, and in some cases, your own vehicle, with proper registration and inspection.

References
US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Related Occupations: Postal Service Workers, Shipping & Receiving Clerks

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)