"What is the average salary for a mail carrier in the United States?"
25.1s
Add to Favorites
Cozy Upvote
Share
Export
Tap a circle to see that AI's answer
U.S. mail carriers typically earn about $21‑$22 per hour, which translates to roughly $44‑$55 k annually, with variations by location, experience, and overtime.
AI Consensus
Models Agreed
- Hourly pay for mail carriers is consistently reported around $21‑$22 across models【1】【2】【3】.
- Annual salary figures converge on a range of $44‑$55 k for full‑time work【4】【5】.
- Location and overtime are cited as major factors that can push earnings higher【1】【8】.
Points of Debate
- Some models cite high-end averages up to $66‑$96 k (payscale, Microsoft), while others limit the typical range to $44‑$55 k, reflecting differing definitions of “average” versus broader USPS roles【7】【12】.
- The starting pay is reported as $19/hr in some sources versus $24.82/hr for city carriers in 2025, showing inconsistency in entry‑level figures【4】【8】.
Average Salary for a U.S. Mail Carrier (2025‑2024)
1. Typical earnings
| Measure | Range | Typical figure |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly pay | $19.06 – $24.82 | $21‑$22 (most common)123 |
| Annual salary | $39,640 – $71,340 | $44‑$55 k for a full‑time carrier45 |
| Median (BLS) | $26.08/hr → $54,250/yr | – |
| Mean (BLS) | $20.95/hr → $43,580/yr | – |
- Job‑board averages (Indeed, ZipRecruiter) cluster around $21.17‑$22.53 per hour, which equals ≈ $44‑$46 k annually for a 2,080‑hour year123.
- Glassdoor reports a higher overall average of $55,211 per year, reflecting many carriers who receive overtime or work in higher‑pay regions5.
- Payscale gives a broader USPS average of $66,604, but that figure includes all USPS roles, not just carriers7.
2. How the numbers are derived
- Hourly → annual: Multiply hourly rate by 2,080 hours (full‑time work year).
- Overtime: Many carriers earn an extra ≈ $6,669 per year from overtime, pushing total compensation toward the upper end of the range1.
- Location & seniority: Pay can be as low as $19/hr in rural areas and as high as $24.82/hr for entry‑level city carriers (2025 USPS schedule)8. Senior carriers can earn $34.30/hr or more4.
3. Benefits
Beyond wages, USPS provides:
- Health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave (standard federal employee benefits)8.
- Regular step increases and COLA adjustments, typically every 46 weeks for city carriers8.
4. Quick takeaways
- Base pay sits around $21‑$22/hr for most carriers.
- Annual base salary is roughly $44‑$55 k, rising with overtime, seniority, and cost‑of‑living locations.
- Upper‑range figures (up to $96 k) reflect a combination of overtime, seniority, and broader USPS roles, not the typical entry‑level carrier.
Bottom line
For a typical full‑time U.S. mail carrier, expect about $21‑$22 per hour, or $44‑$55 k per year before overtime and benefits. Salaries vary by region, experience, and overtime eligibility, with the BLS median slightly higher at $26.08/hr ($54,250/yr).
All figures are based on publicly available data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and other verified sources up to 2025.
AI can make mistakes. Verify important information.