# Postal Service Mail Carriers

> Sort and deliver mail for the United States Postal Service (USPS). Deliver mail on established route by vehicle or on foot. Includes postal service mail carriers employed by USPS contractors.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 43-5052.00
- **Summary:** Sort and deliver mail for the United States Postal Service (USPS). Deliver mail on established route by vehicle or on foot. Includes postal service mail carriers employed by USPS contractors.

## Aliases

- City Letter Carrier
- Letter Carrier
- Mail Carrier
- Rural Carrier Associate (RCA)
- City Carrier
- City Carrier Assistant (CCA)
- City Mail Carrier
- Rural Carrier
- Rural Mail Carrier
- Rural Route Carrier
- Carrier
- Carrier Associate

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Scan labels on letters or parcels to confirm receipt. | Core | 4.A.3.b.1.f |
| Obtain signed receipts for registered, certified, and insured mail, collect associated charges, and complete any necessary paperwork. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.q |
| Return to the post office with mail collected from homes, businesses, and public mailboxes. | Core | 4.A.4.c.1.e |
| Sort mail for delivery, arranging it in delivery sequence. | Core | 4.A.2.a.2.b |
| Deliver mail to residences and business establishments along specified routes by walking or driving, using a combination of satchels, carts, cars, and small trucks. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.j |
| Meet schedules for the collection and return of mail. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.j |
| Register, certify, and insure parcels and letters. | Supplemental | 4.A.4.c.1.c |
| Sign for cash-on-delivery and registered mail before leaving the post office. | Core | 4.A.4.c.1.a |
| Hold mail for customers who are away from delivery locations. | Core | 4.A.4.c.1.e |
| Turn in money and receipts collected along mail routes. | Core | 4.A.4.c.3.d |
| Leave notices telling patrons where to collect mail that could not be delivered. | Core | 4.A.4.a.3.c |
| Maintain accurate records of deliveries. | Core | 4.A.3.b.6.h |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Obtain written authorization to perform activities. | 4.A.1.a.1.q |
| Collect deposits, payments or fees. | 4.A.4.c.3.d |
| Sort mail. | 4.A.2.a.2.b |
| Deliver items. | 4.A.3.a.1.j |
| Route mail to correct destinations. | 4.A.4.c.1.e |
| Perform administrative or clerical tasks. | 4.A.4.c.1.a |
| Maintain financial or account records. | 4.A.3.b.6.j |
| Package objects for shipping. | 4.A.3.a.2.ap |
| Provide notifications to customers or patrons. | 4.A.4.a.3.c |
| Record shipping information. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Explain regulations, policies, or procedures. | 4.A.4.a.1.b |
| Report maintenance or equipment problems to appropriate personnel. | 4.A.4.a.2.g |
| Arrange insurance coverage. | 4.A.4.c.1.c |
| Prepare outgoing mail. | 4.A.4.c.1.e |
| Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment. | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance. | 4.A.3.b.6.m |
| Sell products or services. | 4.A.4.a.6.b |
| Enter information into databases or software programs. | 4.A.3.b.1.f |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Customer and Personal Service | knowledge | 4.25 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.25 |
| Public Safety and Security | knowledge | 3.21 |
| Sales and Marketing | knowledge | 3.15 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.12 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.12 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Social Perceptiveness | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 3 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 3 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3 |
| Transportation | knowledge | 2.96 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 2.88 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 2.88 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 2.88 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 2.88 |
| Control Precision | ability | 2.88 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 2.88 |
| Static Strength | ability | 2.88 |
| Extent Flexibility | ability | 2.88 |
| Administration and Management | knowledge | 2.86 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 2.75 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 2.75 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 2.75 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 2.75 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 2.75 |
| Stamina | ability | 2.75 |
| Far Vision | ability | 2.75 |
| Production and Processing | knowledge | 2.73 |
| Education and Training | knowledge | 2.65 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 2.62 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 2.62 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Windows | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Windows | Operating system software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| Address Management System AMS | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Automated Data Collection System ADCS | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Delivery operations information system DOIS | Enterprise resource planning ERP software | no | no |
| Delivery Routing System DRS | Map creation software | no | no |
| Electronic Time Clock ETC | Time accounting software | no | no |
| End of Run Report EOR | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Time and Attendance Collection System TACS | Human resources software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 4.91 |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment | 4.77 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 4.64 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.5 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 4.26 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.24 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.18 |
| Time Pressure | 4.12 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 4.1 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 4.06 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 4.05 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 3.93 |
| Contact With Others | 3.78 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.73 |
| Spend Time Standing | 3.48 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 3.38 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 3.36 |
| Physical Proximity | 3.29 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 3.18 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 3.16 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 3.12 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 3.07 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 3.01 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 2.99 |
| Consequence of Error | 2.93 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 2.87 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 2.75 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.73 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 2.71 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 2.69 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 2.67 |
| Telephone Conversations | 2.6 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 2.47 |
| Degree of Automation | 2.42 |
| Outdoors, Under Cover | 2.31 |
| Level of Competition | 2.24 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 2.15 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 2.06 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 1.96 |
| Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance | 1.85 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 78.21 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 14.57 |
| Some College Courses | 7.22 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 6.27 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 4.71 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 4.31 |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 3.56 |
| Dependability | work_style | 3 |
| Enterprising | career_interest_type | 2.91 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 2.69 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.16 |
| Integrity | work_style | 2.06 |
| Personal Service | specific_interest_area | 2.04 |
| Office Work | specific_interest_area | 1.95 |
| Protective Service | specific_interest_area | 1.59 |
| Perseverance | work_style | 1.58 |
| Cooperation | work_style | 1.53 |
| Accounting | specific_interest_area | 1.51 |
| Sales | specific_interest_area | 1.45 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 43-5051.00 | role-43-5051-00 | Postal Service Clerks | Primary-Short |
| 43-5021.00 | role-43-5021-00 | Couriers and Messengers | Primary-Short |
| 43-9051.00 | role-43-9051-00 | Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | Primary-Short |
| 43-5071.00 | role-43-5071-00 | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks | Primary-Short |
| 43-5011.00 | role-43-5011-00 | Cargo and Freight Agents | Primary-Short |
| 43-5053.00 | role-43-5053-00 | Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators | Primary-Long |
| 11-9131.00 | role-11-9131-00 | Postmasters and Mail Superintendents | Primary-Long |
| 53-3033.00 | role-53-3033-00 | Light Truck Drivers | Primary-Long |
| 43-5011.01 | role-43-5011-01 | Freight Forwarders | Primary-Long |
| 43-5032.00 | role-43-5032-00 | Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance | Primary-Long |
| 53-3031.00 | role-53-3031-00 | Driver/Sales Workers | Supplemental |
| 43-4181.00 | role-43-4181-00 | Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Public Service & Safety | public-service-safety |

## Education Level

- **Category:** No formal educational credential

## Study Programs


## Market

- **Median Wage:** 57490
- **Mean Wage:** 59880
- **Pct10Wage:** 42390
- **Pct25Wage:** 46030
- **Pct75Wage:** 75300
- **Pct90Wage:** 76880
- **Employment:** 336040
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 336040 | 57490 | 20.86 |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 336040 | 20.86 |
- **Count:** 1

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.68 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -1.064715 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -1.133507 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -0.9672173 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 28
- **Percentile:** 26
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 15 | felten_aioe |
| 29 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 40 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -1.064715 | 15 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.2564102564102564 | 29 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.12278876934436556 | 40 | Moderate | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.68
- **Percentile:** 57
- **Band:** Moderate
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.20512820512820512
- **Beta:** 0.23076923076923075
- **Gamma:** 0.2564102564102564

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -3.5
- **Growth Percentile:** 15
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 20.6
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 78
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 319.4
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 308.1

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Ai Playbook

- **Trusted Task Count:** 1
- **Task Count:** 1
- **Total Sample:** 36
- **Autonomy Median:** 3

### Collaboration


### Use Case

| Label | Percent |
| --- | --- |
| personal | 91.67 |

### Delegated Tasks

| Task | Usage Percent | Autonomy Median | Sample Count |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Answer customers' questions about postal services and regulations. | 0.003600450056257032 | 3 | 36 |

### Boundary Tasks

| Task | Human Needed Percent | Sample Count |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Answer customers' questions about postal services and regulations. | 100 | 36 |

### Seed Prompts

| Prompt |
| --- |
| Help me with this part of my job: answer customers' questions about postal services and regulations |
- **Release:** 2026-01-15-v4-plus-2025-03-27-v2

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 21
- **Skills:** 33
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 10
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** f9934fe6c3e5284b