Postal Letter

What is the a career as a mailman like?

I've been wondering what it would be like to be a USPS mailman. What do the daily duties include (assuming it's not just driving around a route and delivering/picking up mail)? Also what sort of salary do they see and is it competititive?

Public Comments

1. apparently you have to take a test. and the test can be pretty confusing. but my friend said the worse part is actually carrying the mail. its heavier than it looks.
2. I hear it is a very hard job to get. Lets see, you have to deal with carrying the mailbag, dealing with peoples pets, rainy days, and risking paper cuts. Around here they make $12-14 an hour and up depending on how long you've been doing it. You also have to have a spotless record.
3. The salary depends on the size of the office you are working out of. The larger the office, the more pay. I assume you are wanting to be a carrier, not a clerk or anything like that. Clerks are those that are behind the counter in the post office...often times, they help sort the mail and put it away too. Most of the positions require an entrance exam. Do you live in a rural neighborhood or a city? The exams are different. Your local post office normally posts exam dates and times. Ask your local postmaster about any positions. Yes, the mail is heavy. You are required to be able to lift up to 70 lbs. if necessary. You will have the daily task of possibly sorting your mail, putting it in the right mailboxes and being on time. There are alot of safety and security rules you'll have to follow too. I guess it's up to you where you want to start.
4. city carrier: ~high stress ~sounds easy but lots of tasks ~lots of rules to learn ~gotta know who lives where ~gotta know whos mail is being forwarded ~gotta know whos mail is on hold ~lots of walking~up and down stairs~very heavy bag+ both hands full of mail ~lots of interaction with the public (you must be polite) ~lots of dogs sometimes mean ~lots of papercuts and dry dry hands. ~rain, snow, falling on ice and frozen toes pays pretty well but will never be a millionaire! but overall great job! It takes a certain type of person to love this job!