Postal service workers sell postal products and collect, sort, and deliver mail.

Postal service clerks and mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators work indoors, typically in a post office. Mail carriers mostly work outdoors, delivering mail.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required to become a postal service worker. All applicants for these jobs must take a written exam.

The median annual wage for postal service workers was $56,790 in May 2015.

Overall employment of postal service workers is projected to decline 28 percent from 2014 to 2024. Automated sorting systems, cluster mailboxes, and tight budgets will adversely affect employment. Although the need to replace workers who retire will result in some job openings, very strong competition can be expected as the number of applicants typically exceeds the number of available positions.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for postal service workers.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of postal service workers with similar occupations.

Learn more about postal service workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.