The United States Postal Service (USPS) is one of the largest employers in the country, with thousands of mail carriers delivering letters and packages daily. In 2025, USPS salaries remain competitive, offering stable income, government-backed benefits, and job security. This guide explains the full salary structure for mail carriers, including basic pay, overtime, location adjustments, bonuses, and benefits.
If you are planning to work as a USPS mail carrier or simply want to understand how their pay is structured, this article will give you all the details you need.
Overview of USPS Mail Carrier Salary in 2025
USPS pay is structured under a government-regulated wage scale known as the USPS Pay Schedule. Mail carrier salaries depend on:
-
Entry level or years of service
-
Employment type (full-time regular, part-time, or temporary)
-
Location (cost-of-living adjustment areas)
-
Union agreements (most carriers are represented by the National Association of Letter Carriers – NALC)
In 2025:
-
The average annual salary for a full-time mail carrier is $57,500 – $72,000
-
Starting pay is around $22 – $24 per hour
-
Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the basic hourly rate after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week
USPS Mail Carrier Salary Table (2025)
| Category | Pay Rate |
|---|---|
| Starting Hourly Rate | $22.13 – $24.08 |
| Average Hourly Rate | $27.65 |
| Annual Salary (Full-Time) | $57,500 – $72,000 |
| Overtime Rate | $33.20 – $36.12 per hour |
| Night Shift Differential | +$0.96 per hour |
| Sunday Premium | +25% of base hourly rate |
| Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) | $500 – $1,500 annually |
| Uniform Allowance | $500 – $700 annually |
Salary by Career Stage
1. Entry-Level Mail Carriers
-
Position: City Carrier Assistant (CCA)
-
Pay: $19.33 – $21.38/hour
-
Benefits: Limited at first; full after conversion to career status
-
Overtime: After 8 hours/day
2. Career Mail Carriers
-
Position: City Carrier (Full-Time)
-
Pay: $24 – $30/hour
-
Benefits: Full medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, life insurance
-
Annual Salary: $57,000 – $72,000
3. Long-Term Employees
-
Over 10 years of service
-
Pay: $30+ per hour
-
Higher COLA and step increases
Overtime and Extra Pay
USPS carriers often earn more than their base salary due to extra pay options:
-
Overtime Pay – 1.5x the hourly rate after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week
-
Double Time – 2x hourly rate on certain federal holidays when scheduled
-
Sunday Premium – 25% extra pay for all Sunday hours
-
Night Differential – +$0.96/hour for shifts between 6 PM and 6 AM
USPS Benefits and Allowances (2025)
Working for USPS includes a wide range of government-backed benefits:
1. Health Insurance
-
Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision
-
Employer pays about 70–75% of the premium
2. Retirement Plan
-
Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
-
Includes pension + Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with employer match
3. Paid Time Off
-
13 days annual leave (first 3 years)
-
20 days after 3 years
-
26 days after 15 years
-
10 paid federal holidays
4. Uniform Allowance
-
Annual allowance for purchasing postal uniforms
-
Ranges from $500 – $700 depending on position
5. Job Security
-
USPS is a federal employer; layoffs are rare
State-by-State Average USPS Mail Carrier Salaries – 2025
| State | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| California | $69,200 | $29.72 |
| Texas | $60,800 | $26.50 |
| Florida | $58,400 | $25.63 |
| New York | $70,100 | $30.12 |
| Illinois | $62,300 | $27.16 |
| Ohio | $59,900 | $26.10 |
| Georgia | $57,800 | $25.29 |
| Pennsylvania | $61,400 | $26.85 |
| Washington | $68,700 | $29.50 |
| Arizona | $59,500 | $26.01 |
Factors Affecting USPS Mail Carrier Pay
-
Location – High-cost cities have higher base pay
-
Experience – Step increases every 46 weeks until top step
-
Union Contracts – Negotiations can lead to COLA increases
-
Workload – Overtime opportunities vary by station
USPS Bonuses in 2025
While USPS does not have traditional private-sector bonuses, employees can receive:
-
COLA Adjustments – Extra pay added to salary based on inflation
-
Retention Bonuses – Offered in hard-to-fill locations
-
Holiday Pay – Double time plus holiday leave credit
How USPS Salary Compares to Other Delivery Jobs
| Job | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| USPS Mail Carrier | $57,500 – $72,000 |
| UPS Delivery Driver | $70,000 – $85,000 |
| FedEx Courier | $55,000 – $65,000 |
| Amazon DSP Driver | $38,000 – $45,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How much do USPS mail carriers make in 2025?
A: Between $57,500 and $72,000 annually for full-time carriers.
Q2: What is the starting hourly pay?
A: Around $22 – $24 per hour for new hires.
Q3: Do USPS carriers get overtime?
A: Yes, overtime is paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate.
Q4: How often does USPS increase salaries?
A: Step increases occur every 46 weeks until top step is reached.
Q5: Does USPS offer bonuses?
A: Yes, mainly through COLA, retention pay, and holiday pay.
Q6: Do carriers work on Sundays?
A: Yes, depending on mail volume, with a 25% Sunday premium.
Q7: Is USPS a government job?
A: Yes, USPS is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government.
Q8: How many hours do carriers work weekly?
A: Usually 40 hours, but overtime is common.
Q9: Do mail carriers get uniform allowances?
A: Yes, between $500 and $700 annually.
Q10: Is USPS mail carrier a good career?
A: Yes, it offers stable income, benefits, and retirement security.
Conclusion
USPS mail carrier jobs in 2025 remain attractive for people seeking stable pay, government benefits, and long-term career security. While salaries vary by location and experience, most full-time carriers earn between $57,500 and $72,000 annually, with many opportunities for overtime and premium pay.
If you are considering this career, it’s worth noting the excellent health coverage, pension, and job stability USPS offers compared to private delivery companies.