How much does a mail carrier make per hour
The hourly wage for a mail carrier, also known as a postal service carrier, can vary depending on the location, level of experience, and type of mail carrier position. Here are some approximate hourly wage ranges for mail carriers in the United States:
- City Carrier: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour (average annual salary: $54,000 - $72,000)
- Rural Carrier: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour (average annual salary: $42,000 - $63,000)
- Highway Contract Carrier: $18.00 - $28.00 per hour (average annual salary: $38,000 - $58,000)
- Mail Handler: $15.00 - $25.00 per hour (average annual salary: $31,000 - $52,000)
Keep in mind that these are general estimates and can vary depending on the specific location, employer, and level of experience. Additionally, mail carriers may also receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, which can impact their overall compensation.
It's also worth noting that the United States Postal Service (USPS) has a pay scale that is based on a combination of factors, including:
- Step: The USPS has a 26-step pay scale, with each step representing a specific level of pay.
- Grade: Mail carriers are classified into different grades, such as City Carrier, Rural Carrier, and Highway Contract Carrier, each with its own pay scale.
- Location: Mail carriers in urban areas tend to earn more than those in rural areas.
- Experience: More experienced mail carriers tend to earn higher pay rates.
Here is a rough breakdown of the USPS pay scale for mail carriers:
- Step 1: $15.00 - $20.00 per hour (entry-level)
- Step 2: $16.00 - $22.00 per hour (1-2 years of experience)
- Step 3: $17.00 - $24.00 per hour (2-5 years of experience)
- Step 4: $18.00 - $26.00 per hour (5-10 years of experience)
- Step 5: $19.00 - $28.00 per hour (10-15 years of experience)
- Step 6: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour (15+ years of experience)
Again, these are general estimates and can vary depending on the specific location and employer.