Mail carrier salary
BLS occupation: Postal Service Mail Carriers · also called USPS letter carrier · Office and administrative support · data for May 2025
Median salary $60,550 a year, US
Median hourly pay $29.11 an hour
Middle half earn $48,940–$81,000 25th to 75th percentile
Mail carriers employed 328,820 −0.3% projected by 2035
How much does a mail carrier make?
- The median mail carrier salary in the US is $60,550 a year ($29.11 an hour): half of the 328,820 mail carriers BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $62,540.
- The middle half earn between $48,940 and $81,000. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $42,390 and the top 10% more than $81,040.
- That is 19% more than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- The District of Columbia pays mail carriers the most (median $64,250), followed by Rhode Island ($63,610) and Arizona ($62,390). Mississippi pays the least ($57,470).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in Arkansas, where the median is worth $68,670 in typical US prices, then South Dakota and Iowa. The District of Columbia's higher pay is offset by its prices (109.9 vs a US average of 100).
- In 186 of the 378 metro areas with data, the median mail carrier salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of mail carriers to shrink 0.3% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 19,600 openings a year. The typical entry education is no formal educational credential.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what mail carriers are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Mail carrier salary range
Half of mail carriers earn between $48,940 and $81,000 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $42,390
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $48,940
Median Yearly pay: $60,550
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $81,000
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $81,040
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $42,390 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $48,940 |
| Median | $60,550 |
| Top 25% earn over | $81,000 |
| Top 10% earn over | $81,040 |
Mail carrier salary by state
The District of Columbia pays mail carriers the most; Mississippi the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($60,550), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $64,250 median |
| Rhode Island | $63,610 median |
| Arizona | $62,390 median |
| California | $62,090 median |
| Illinois | $62,070 median |
| Maryland | $62,070 median |
| Massachusetts | $62,070 median |
| Nevada | $62,070 median |
| New York | $62,070 median |
| Virginia | $62,070 median |
| Connecticut | $61,130 median |
| Florida | $61,130 median |
| New Jersey | $61,130 median |
| Ohio | $61,130 median |
| South Dakota | $60,760 median |
| Texas | $60,550 median |
| Minnesota | $59,990 median |
| New Hampshire | $59,990 median |
| North Carolina | $59,990 median |
| Washington | $59,990 median |
| Alaska | $59,880 median |
| Colorado | $59,880 median |
| Delaware | $59,880 median |
| Hawaii | $59,880 median |
| Indiana | $59,880 median |
| Iowa | $59,880 median |
| Michigan | $59,880 median |
| Missouri | $59,880 median |
| Nebraska | $59,880 median |
| New Mexico | $59,880 median |
| Oklahoma | $59,880 median |
| Pennsylvania | $59,880 median |
| Utah | $59,880 median |
| Wisconsin | $59,880 median |
| Wyoming | $59,880 median |
| Arkansas | $59,700 median |
| Oregon | $59,400 median |
| Maine | $59,010 median |
| Montana | $59,010 median |
| North Dakota | $59,010 median |
| Vermont | $59,010 median |
| Kentucky | $58,910 median |
| Louisiana | $58,910 median |
| Tennessee | $58,570 median |
| Kansas | $58,540 median |
| Idaho | $57,820 median |
| Alabama | $57,700 median |
| Georgia | $57,700 median |
| South Carolina | $57,700 median |
| West Virginia | $57,700 median |
| Mississippi | $57,470 median |
Where mail carrier pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Mail carriers' pay goes furthest in Arkansas once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| Arkansas | $68,670 |
| South Dakota | $68,589 |
| Iowa | $68,230 |
| Oklahoma | $68,167 |
| Louisiana | $66,786 |
| Nebraska | $66,457 |
| North Dakota | $66,334 |
| Mississippi | $66,093 |
| Missouri | $65,935 |
| Ohio | $65,891 |
Mail carrier pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $64,250 | $30.89 | $44,160 | $81,040 | 930 | $58,462 |
| Rhode Island | $63,610 | $30.58 | $43,120 | $81,040 | 1,220 | $62,192 |
| Arizona | $62,390 | $30.00 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 5,300 | $61,970 |
| California | $62,090 | $29.85 | $43,120 | $81,040 | 32,320 | $56,078 |
| Illinois | $62,070 | $29.84 | $43,120 | $81,040 | 14,730 | $62,096 |
| Maryland | $62,070 | $29.84 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 6,420 | $59,137 |
| Massachusetts | $62,070 | $29.84 | $44,160 | $81,040 | 7,630 | $58,691 |
| Nevada | $62,070 | $29.84 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 2,530 | $62,083 |
| New York | $62,070 | $29.84 | $43,120 | $81,040 | 20,580 | $57,514 |
| Virginia | $62,070 | $29.84 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 7,900 | $61,392 |
| Connecticut | $61,130 | $29.39 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 4,510 | $59,000 |
| Florida | $61,130 | $29.39 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 20,810 | $59,112 |
| New Jersey | $61,130 | $29.39 | $43,120 | $81,040 | 10,160 | $56,183 |
| Ohio | $61,130 | $29.39 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 12,680 | $65,891 |
| South Dakota | $60,760 | $29.21 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 850 | $68,589 |
| Texas | $60,550 | $29.11 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 26,700 | $62,386 |
| Minnesota | $59,990 | $28.84 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 5,890 | $60,829 |
| New Hampshire | $59,990 | $28.84 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 1,560 | $57,591 |
| North Carolina | $59,990 | $28.84 | $42,390 | $82,370 | 11,030 | $63,599 |
| Washington | $59,990 | $28.84 | $43,120 | $81,040 | 6,550 | $56,059 |
| Alaska | $59,880 | $28.79 | $46,030 | $81,040 | 450 | $58,500 |
| Colorado | $59,880 | $28.79 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 5,100 | $58,107 |
| Delaware | $59,880 | $28.79 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 1,130 | $59,995 |
| Hawaii | $59,880 | $28.79 | $48,940 | $81,040 | 1,200 | $54,461 |
| Indiana | $59,880 | $28.79 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 6,910 | $64,160 |
| Iowa | $59,880 | $28.79 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 3,730 | $68,230 |
| Michigan | $59,880 | $28.79 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 11,610 | $62,234 |
| Missouri | $59,880 | $28.79 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 7,260 | $65,935 |
| Nebraska | $59,880 | $28.79 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 2,150 | $66,457 |
| New Mexico | $59,880 | $28.79 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 1,570 | $64,937 |
| Oklahoma | $59,880 | $28.79 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 4,130 | $68,167 |
| Pennsylvania | $59,880 | $28.79 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 13,900 | $61,370 |
| Utah | $59,880 | $28.79 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 2,460 | $60,568 |
| Wisconsin | $59,880 | $28.79 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 6,470 | $63,638 |
| Wyoming | $59,880 | $28.79 | $43,120 | $81,040 | 430 | $64,602 |
| Arkansas | $59,700 | $28.70 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 3,030 | $68,670 |
| Oregon | $59,400 | $28.56 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 3,760 | $57,468 |
| Maine | $59,010 | $28.37 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 1,510 | $60,804 |
| Montana | $59,010 | $28.37 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 830 | $62,349 |
| North Dakota | $59,010 | $28.37 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 800 | $66,334 |
| Vermont | $59,010 | $28.37 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 690 | $60,240 |
| Kentucky | $58,910 | $28.32 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 4,640 | $65,340 |
| Louisiana | $58,910 | $28.32 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 5,090 | $66,786 |
| Tennessee | $58,570 | $28.16 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 7,310 | $63,753 |
| Kansas | $58,540 | $28.14 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 3,310 | $64,995 |
| Idaho | $57,820 | $27.80 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 1,660 | $60,548 |
| Alabama | $57,700 | $27.74 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 5,840 | $64,961 |
| Georgia | $57,700 | $27.74 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 10,790 | $59,921 |
| South Carolina | $57,700 | $27.74 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 5,650 | $61,547 |
| West Virginia | $57,700 | $27.74 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 1,850 | $64,471 |
| Mississippi | $57,470 | $27.63 | $42,390 | $81,040 | 3,290 | $66,093 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Mail carrier salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes mail carrier pay: 381 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- Lawrence, KS $70,530
- Bay City, MI $68,640
- Enid, OK $68,640
- Bozeman, MT $68,060
- Napa, CA $67,140
- Oxnard, CA $66,440
- Iowa City, IA $64,890
- Naples, FL $64,460
- Bloomington, IN $64,250
- Des Moines, IA $64,250
Where the pay goes furthest
- Enid, OK $81,453
- Lawrence, KS $78,156
- McAllen, TX $74,801
- Bay City, MI $74,673
- Fort Smith, AR $73,794
- Jonesboro, AR $73,525
- Joplin, MO $72,435
- Cape Girardeau, MO $72,411
- Youngstown, OH $71,618
- Victoria, TX $71,517
All 381 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS | $70,530 | 100 | $78,156 | 27% |
| Bay City, MI | $68,640 | 120 | $74,673 | 18% |
| Enid, OK | $68,640 | 60 | $81,453 | 20% |
| Bozeman, MT | $68,060 | 60 | $66,394 | 39% |
| Napa, CA | $67,140 | 130 | $59,651 | 52% |
| Oxnard, CA | $66,440 | 670 | $60,108 | 53% |
| Iowa City, IA | $64,890 | 150 | $70,911 | 32% |
| Naples, FL | $64,460 | 400 | $62,461 | 49% |
| Bloomington, IN | $64,250 | 190 | $67,572 | 33% |
| Des Moines, IA | $64,250 | 690 | $70,065 | 24% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $64,250 | 10,940 | $56,575 | 55% |
| McAllen, TX | $64,250 | 540 | $74,801 | 21% |
| Merced, CA | $64,250 | 200 | $65,378 | 38% |
| Missoula, MT | $64,250 | 100 | $66,618 | 30% |
| New Orleans, LA | $64,250 | 1,120 | $69,387 | 29% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $64,250 | 3,630 | $62,188 | 32% |
| Providence, RI | $64,250 | 1,830 | $63,131 | 40% |
| Sacramento, CA | $64,250 | 2,000 | $60,232 | 42% |
| Salinas, CA | $64,250 | 280 | $58,922 | 52% |
| San Francisco, CA | $64,250 | 4,730 | $55,573 | 64% |
| Toledo, OH | $64,250 | 730 | $70,253 | 24% |
| Tucson, AZ | $64,250 | 870 | $66,308 | 28% |
| Victoria, TX | $64,250 | 90 | $71,517 | 22% |
| Washington, DC | $64,250 | 6,250 | $59,008 | 45% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $64,190 | 280 | $70,826 | 24% |
| Fargo, ND | $63,930 | 230 | $70,352 | 21% |
| Chicago, IL | $63,750 | 10,320 | $61,538 | 41% |
| Bismarck, ND | $63,610 | 130 | $69,883 | 25% |
| Stockton, CA | $63,610 | 600 | $60,530 | 46% |
| Buffalo, NY | $63,380 | 1,370 | $66,128 | 27% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $63,380 | 210 | $73,794 | 20% |
| Kingston, NY | $63,380 | 160 | $62,934 | 38% |
| Lincoln, NE | $63,380 | 320 | $69,206 | 24% |
| San Diego, CA | $63,380 | 2,820 | $56,646 | 56% |
| Winchester, VA | $63,380 | 100 | $65,713 | 35% |
| Sebastian, FL | $63,170 | 200 | $64,257 | 40% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $63,140 | 150 | $73,525 | 24% |
| Kahului, HI | $62,980 | 130 | $57,572 | 61% |
| Bloomington, IL | $62,960 | 180 | $67,310 | 25% |
| Durham, NC | $62,960 | 570 | $64,527 | 31% |
| Seattle, WA | $62,960 | 3,420 | $56,653 | 43% |
| El Paso, TX | $62,590 | 620 | $69,613 | 29% |
| Youngstown, OH | $62,590 | 560 | $71,618 | 20% |
| Lansing, MI | $62,520 | 520 | $65,817 | 25% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $62,390 | 170 | $67,296 | 32% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $62,340 | 790 | $65,246 | 29% |
| Rapid City, SD | $62,340 | 100 | $69,919 | 28% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $62,330 | 130 | $72,411 | 20% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $62,330 | 120 | $60,844 | 42% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $62,190 | 1,800 | $62,057 | 33% |
| Boston, MA | $62,090 | 5,430 | $57,349 | 58% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $62,090 | 420 | $67,505 | 28% |
| Joplin, MO | $62,090 | 210 | $72,435 | 24% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $62,090 | 270 | $65,468 | 25% |
| Lexington, KY | $62,090 | 520 | $66,843 | 31% |
| Modesto, CA | $62,090 | 400 | $59,640 | 40% |
| Ogden, UT | $62,090 | 420 | $61,874 | 32% |
| Provo, UT | $62,090 | 470 | $63,208 | 34% |
| Burlington, VT | $62,080 | 230 | $61,496 | 50% |
| Greensboro, NC | $62,080 | 750 | $66,850 | 27% |
| Pueblo, CO | $62,080 | 140 | $67,653 | 26% |
| Yuba City, CA | $62,080 | 130 | $59,559 | 39% |
| Albany, NY | $62,070 | 940 | $62,341 | 33% |
| Asheville, NC | $62,070 | 410 | $64,317 | 33% |
| Baltimore, MD | $62,070 | 2,980 | $59,405 | 37% |
| Bremerton, WA | $62,070 | 240 | $58,775 | 40% |
| Charleston, WV | $62,070 | 240 | $69,964 | 23% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $62,070 | 2,140 | $65,083 | 29% |
| Columbia, MO | $62,070 | 200 | $69,400 | 28% |
| Columbus, OH | $62,070 | 1,920 | $65,016 | 29% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $62,070 | 370 | $66,979 | 28% |
| Dallas, TX | $62,070 | 7,100 | $60,210 | 32% |
| Dayton, OH | $62,070 | 910 | $66,962 | 26% |
| Detroit, MI | $62,070 | 5,390 | $61,886 | 29% |
| Dubuque, IA | $62,070 | 110 | $71,077 | 21% |
| Evansville, IN | $62,070 | 300 | $67,815 | 21% |
| Flint, MI | $62,070 | 470 | $66,718 | 20% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $62,070 | 300 | $61,378 | 38% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $62,070 | 440 | $67,051 | 24% |
| Fresno, CA | $62,070 | 830 | $60,759 | 40% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $62,070 | 140 | $65,011 | 33% |
| Houston, TX | $62,070 | 6,660 | $62,933 | 32% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $62,070 | 1,980 | $64,862 | 30% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $62,070 | 150 | $70,554 | 20% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $62,070 | 730 | $56,725 | 44% |
| Lafayette, IN | $62,070 | 190 | $66,435 | 28% |
| Little Rock, AR | $62,070 | 780 | $69,457 | 24% |
| Lubbock, TX | $62,070 | 330 | $67,972 | 26% |
| Manchester, NH | $62,070 | 510 | $58,747 | 42% |
| Miami, FL | $62,070 | 5,720 | $54,373 | 51% |
| New York, NY | $62,070 | 20,280 | $55,142 | 69% |
| North Port, FL | $62,070 | 840 | $60,605 | 41% |
| Omaha, NE | $62,070 | 1,000 | $67,533 | 27% |
| Orlando, FL | $62,070 | 2,250 | $61,202 | 37% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $62,070 | 170 | $66,793 | 25% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $62,070 | 600 | $62,067 | 36% |
| Raleigh, NC | $62,070 | 1,390 | $63,235 | 32% |
| Riverside, CA | $62,070 | 3,130 | $58,313 | 49% |
| Rochester, NY | $62,070 | 1,190 | $63,967 | 30% |
| St. Louis, MO | $62,070 | 3,450 | $65,276 | 28% |
| San Jose, CA | $62,070 | 1,520 | $56,211 | 74% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $62,070 | 230 | $56,481 | 67% |
| Scranton, PA | $62,070 | 710 | $66,345 | 26% |
| South Bend, IN | $62,070 | 320 | $66,844 | 24% |
| Syracuse, NY | $62,070 | 780 | $64,830 | 31% |
| Tampa, FL | $62,070 | 3,210 | $61,522 | 38% |
| Trenton, NJ | $62,070 | 470 | $60,157 | 49% |
| Tulsa, OK | $62,070 | 1,090 | $69,574 | 27% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $62,070 | 730 | $67,436 | 30% |
| Worcester, MA | $62,070 | 850 | $60,543 | 41% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $61,780 | 140 | $65,123 | 28% |
| Watertown, NY | $61,610 | 120 | $70,259 | 29% |
| Ithaca, NY | $61,540 | 110 | $59,564 | 39% |
| Springfield, OH | $61,530 | 150 | $68,002 | 23% |
| Erie, PA | $61,480 | 310 | $67,598 | 22% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $61,480 | 3,560 | $58,652 | 34% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $61,480 | 6,560 | $59,949 | 37% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $61,410 | 1,390 | $67,925 | 27% |
| Springfield, MA | $61,370 | 540 | $63,886 | 38% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $61,310 | 100 | $63,540 | 30% |
| Roanoke, VA | $61,240 | 360 | $65,415 | 27% |
| Rochester, MN | $61,240 | 230 | $67,429 | 31% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $61,170 | 210 | $69,803 | 24% |
| Boulder, CO | $61,130 | 440 | $58,107 | 43% |
| Canton, OH | $61,130 | 490 | $68,373 | 22% |
| Carson City, NV | $61,130 | 60 | $62,295 | 41% |
| Deltona, FL | $61,130 | 730 | $61,519 | 35% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $61,130 | 180 | $65,876 | 23% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $61,130 | 1,700 | $63,062 | 30% |
| Richmond, VA | $61,130 | 1,200 | $62,468 | 33% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $61,130 | 1,030 | $60,604 | 32% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $61,130 | 340 | $56,187 | 64% |
| Sioux City, IA | $61,130 | 170 | $70,708 | 25% |
| Honolulu, HI | $61,130 | 890 | $55,091 | 59% |
| Mansfield, OH | $61,070 | 160 | $68,717 | 18% |
| Amarillo, TX | $61,010 | 300 | $66,445 | 26% |
| Burlington, NC | $61,010 | 170 | $65,464 | 26% |
| Charlotte, NC | $61,010 | 2,710 | $62,672 | 34% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $61,010 | 1,440 | $61,326 | 33% |
| Kansas City, MO | $61,010 | 2,400 | $65,926 | 30% |
| Nashville, TN | $61,010 | 1,890 | $63,329 | 35% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $60,880 | 1,120 | $63,718 | 32% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $60,880 | 180 | $62,112 | 39% |
| Ames, IA | $60,840 | 130 | $68,490 | 23% |
| Kenosha, WI | $60,840 | 170 | $60,167 | – |
| La Crosse, WI | $60,840 | 180 | $66,297 | 27% |
| Minot, ND | $60,790 | 60 | $69,851 | 25% |
| Green Bay, WI | $60,780 | 330 | $65,294 | 22% |
| Madison, WI | $60,760 | 710 | $62,454 | 35% |
| Reno, NV | $60,760 | 520 | $60,150 | 41% |
| Appleton, WI | $60,550 | 240 | $65,517 | 24% |
| Austin, TX | $60,550 | 1,970 | $61,744 | 32% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $60,550 | 830 | $59,160 | 36% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $60,550 | 200 | $61,072 | 40% |
| Columbus, IN | $60,550 | 90 | $65,105 | 27% |
| Daphne, AL | $60,550 | 190 | $63,946 | 34% |
| Gainesville, FL | $60,550 | 330 | $62,595 | 33% |
| Gainesville, GA | $60,550 | 180 | $62,574 | 34% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $60,550 | 130 | $63,809 | 34% |
| Michigan City, IN | $60,550 | 110 | $66,043 | 24% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $60,550 | 130 | $61,306 | 39% |
| Sherman, TX | $60,550 | 150 | $64,572 | 27% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $60,550 | 1,470 | $61,823 | 37% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $60,440 | 100 | $58,197 | 35% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $60,270 | 490 | $60,967 | 41% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $60,270 | 320 | $67,747 | 24% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $60,270 | 180 | $68,647 | 19% |
| Cleveland, OH | $60,260 | 2,530 | $64,159 | 29% |
| Boise, ID | $59,990 | 740 | $60,971 | 38% |
| Champaign, IL | $59,990 | 250 | $64,711 | 28% |
| Midland, MI | $59,990 | 90 | $65,263 | 28% |
| Monroe, MI | $59,990 | 130 | $64,166 | 26% |
| Portland, OR | $59,990 | 2,300 | $56,905 | 36% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $59,990 | 510 | $59,854 | 46% |
| San Antonio, TX | $59,990 | 2,030 | $63,337 | 28% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $59,990 | 360 | $63,874 | 29% |
| Akron, OH | $59,880 | 710 | $64,132 | 26% |
| Albany, OR | $59,880 | 110 | $58,648 | 33% |
| Allentown, PA | $59,880 | 940 | $59,899 | 37% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $59,880 | 180 | $59,735 | – |
| Anchorage, AK | $59,880 | 340 | $56,801 | 38% |
| Binghamton, NY | $59,880 | 270 | $64,482 | 32% |
| Birmingham, AL | $59,880 | 1,370 | $65,340 | 28% |
| Brownsville, TX | $59,880 | 270 | $69,648 | 30% |
| Casper, WY | $59,880 | 70 | $63,818 | 29% |
| Charleston, SC | $59,880 | 730 | $59,309 | 41% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $59,880 | 730 | $59,460 | 35% |
| Decatur, IL | $59,880 | 120 | $67,721 | 21% |
| Denver, CO | $59,880 | 2,590 | $56,607 | 38% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $59,880 | 490 | $65,548 | 31% |
| Greenville, SC | $59,880 | 960 | $64,208 | 31% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $59,880 | 120 | $63,424 | 29% |
| Kokomo, IN | $59,880 | 100 | $66,795 | 22% |
| Lancaster, PA | $59,880 | 500 | $60,942 | 32% |
| Longview, WA | $59,880 | 90 | $61,387 | 28% |
| Midland, TX | $59,880 | 140 | $62,516 | 31% |
| Muncie, IN | $59,880 | 130 | $67,931 | 21% |
| Owensboro, KY | $59,880 | 130 | $67,577 | 25% |
| Paducah, KY | $59,880 | 120 | $69,560 | 23% |
| Pensacola, FL | $59,880 | 520 | $61,279 | 35% |
| Peoria, IL | $59,880 | 430 | $65,636 | 23% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $59,880 | 2,760 | $63,251 | 29% |
| Portland, ME | $59,880 | 640 | $58,788 | 46% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $59,880 | 110 | $60,943 | 38% |
| Racine, WI | $59,880 | 220 | $62,400 | 29% |
| Saginaw, MI | $59,880 | 230 | $65,881 | 21% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $59,880 | 120 | $69,320 | 20% |
| Salem, OR | $59,880 | 330 | $57,772 | 33% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $59,880 | 510 | $55,556 | 53% |
| Savannah, GA | $59,880 | 400 | $62,895 | 35% |
| Springfield, IL | $59,880 | 280 | $64,564 | 24% |
| Utica, NY | $59,880 | 340 | $64,611 | 29% |
| Waterloo, IA | $59,880 | 200 | $68,783 | 21% |
| Wausau, WI | $59,880 | 130 | $64,630 | 19% |
| Wichita, KS | $59,880 | 680 | $67,322 | 24% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $59,700 | 300 | $66,806 | 26% |
| Duluth, MN | $59,640 | 350 | $67,186 | 27% |
| Muskegon, MI | $59,640 | 170 | $64,462 | 26% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $59,510 | 180 | $65,727 | 23% |
| Pocatello, ID | $59,450 | 70 | $66,868 | 22% |
| Atlanta, GA | $59,400 | 5,690 | $59,366 | 37% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $59,400 | 110 | $62,278 | 28% |
| Greenville, NC | $59,400 | 180 | $67,193 | 30% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $59,400 | 110 | $69,287 | 25% |
| Reading, PA | $59,400 | 420 | $61,199 | 31% |
| Spokane, WA | $59,400 | 530 | $59,195 | 31% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $59,170 | 130 | $62,520 | 27% |
| Wheeling, WV | $59,160 | 180 | $66,981 | 18% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $59,010 | 840 | $65,003 | 28% |
| Decatur, AL | $59,010 | 170 | $67,663 | 22% |
| Dothan, AL | $59,010 | 180 | $70,390 | 25% |
| Hammond, LA | $59,010 | 140 | $69,867 | 27% |
| Jackson, MS | $59,010 | 670 | $66,268 | 30% |
| Jackson, TN | $59,010 | 200 | $69,000 | 28% |
| Kingsport, TN | $59,010 | 360 | $68,261 | 27% |
| Louisville, KY | $59,010 | 1,440 | $63,401 | 27% |
| Medford, OR | $59,010 | 190 | $58,176 | 38% |
| Rockford, IL | $59,010 | 420 | $64,034 | 26% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $59,010 | 370 | $64,810 | 30% |
| Tyler, TX | $59,010 | 300 | $64,033 | 27% |
| Vallejo, CA | $59,010 | 410 | $54,398 | 50% |
| Hickory, NC | $58,960 | 410 | $66,632 | 32% |
| Corvallis, OR | $58,910 | 80 | $56,635 | 37% |
| Knoxville, TN | $58,910 | 990 | $63,639 | 35% |
| Memphis, TN | $58,910 | 1,270 | $63,908 | 28% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $58,910 | 150 | $61,941 | 36% |
| Salisbury, MD | $58,910 | 130 | $61,610 | 40% |
| Sandusky, OH | $58,910 | 140 | $65,983 | 37% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $58,910 | 60 | $59,796 | 30% |
| Weirton, WV | $58,910 | 130 | $66,173 | 16% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $58,710 | 180 | $59,730 | 37% |
| Johnson City, TN | $58,710 | 230 | $66,771 | 30% |
| Springfield, MO | $58,710 | 520 | $66,275 | 26% |
| Staunton, VA | $58,710 | 110 | $64,426 | 30% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $58,690 | 270 | $66,905 | 34% |
| York, PA | $58,570 | 440 | $61,010 | 28% |
| Greeley, CO | $58,510 | 260 | $58,407 | 35% |
| Killeen, TX | $58,510 | 400 | $64,204 | 27% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $58,510 | 300 | $68,152 | 28% |
| Traverse City, MI | $58,510 | 180 | $62,663 | 38% |
| Vineland, NJ | $58,510 | 170 | $60,968 | 34% |
| Bend, OR | $58,420 | 170 | $56,386 | 46% |
| Florence, AL | $58,410 | 190 | $68,866 | 22% |
| Shreveport, LA | $58,360 | 440 | $68,848 | 26% |
| Great Falls, MT | $58,300 | 90 | $60,199 | 29% |
| Morgantown, WV | $58,270 | 150 | $62,439 | 28% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $58,240 | 120 | $57,801 | 42% |
| Beaumont, TX | $58,170 | 470 | $64,600 | 27% |
| Williamsport, PA | $58,100 | 150 | $62,913 | 22% |
| Abilene, TX | $57,970 | 180 | $64,152 | 41% |
| Chico, CA | $57,910 | 180 | $57,225 | 32% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $57,910 | 140 | $63,938 | 27% |
| Barnstable, MA | $57,820 | 290 | $58,789 | 54% |
| Billings, MT | $57,820 | 170 | $61,822 | 29% |
| Laredo, TX | $57,820 | 210 | $66,493 | 23% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $57,820 | 260 | $53,243 | 58% |
| Topeka, KS | $57,820 | 280 | $65,098 | 26% |
| State College, PA | $57,760 | 140 | $59,693 | 40% |
| Altoona, PA | $57,700 | 160 | $64,464 | 21% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $57,700 | 400 | $57,197 | 40% |
| Bangor, ME | $57,700 | 180 | $59,788 | 31% |
| Clarksville, TN | $57,700 | 320 | $63,444 | 28% |
| Davenport, IA | $57,700 | 460 | $64,774 | 21% |
| Eugene, OR | $57,700 | 370 | $56,809 | 37% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $57,700 | 40 | $55,907 | 38% |
| Farmington, NM | $57,700 | 60 | $65,787 | 29% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $57,700 | 120 | $62,962 | 23% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $57,700 | 80 | $59,022 | 33% |
| Gulfport, MS | $57,700 | 440 | $64,107 | 30% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $57,700 | 300 | $61,272 | 34% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $57,700 | 680 | $58,490 | 31% |
| Helena, MT | $57,700 | 60 | $60,308 | 34% |
| Jackson, MI | $57,700 | 180 | $62,868 | 25% |
| Janesville, WI | $57,700 | 190 | $61,578 | 27% |
| Johnstown, PA | $57,700 | 180 | $67,148 | 18% |
| Lafayette, LA | $57,700 | 440 | $66,163 | 29% |
| Lakeland, FL | $57,700 | 690 | $59,398 | 38% |
| Lebanon, PA | $57,700 | 140 | $61,901 | 30% |
| Lima, OH | $57,700 | 120 | $64,348 | 25% |
| Longview, TX | $57,700 | 330 | $64,480 | 24% |
| Manhattan, KS | $57,700 | 130 | $63,996 | 26% |
| Mankato, MN | $57,700 | 100 | $63,438 | 26% |
| Mobile, AL | $57,700 | 410 | $65,495 | 27% |
| Monroe, LA | $57,700 | 280 | $69,022 | 25% |
| Olympia, WA | $57,700 | 250 | $55,657 | 42% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $57,700 | 200 | $57,399 | 38% |
| Redding, CA | $57,700 | 130 | $57,308 | 34% |
| Rome, GA | $57,700 | 100 | $63,997 | 26% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $57,700 | 130 | $61,374 | 28% |
| Slidell, LA | $57,700 | 310 | $62,226 | – |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $57,700 | 160 | $64,460 | 27% |
| Wilmington, NC | $57,700 | 580 | $59,841 | 36% |
| Dover, DE | $57,580 | 190 | $59,052 | 37% |
| Bellingham, WA | $57,470 | 240 | $55,616 | 41% |
| Elmira, NY | $57,470 | 130 | $60,881 | 24% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $57,470 | 110 | $57,284 | 44% |
| Florence, SC | $57,470 | 240 | $66,230 | 32% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $57,470 | 110 | $64,966 | 32% |
| Huntsville, AL | $57,470 | 640 | $61,748 | 29% |
| Lewiston, ME | $57,470 | 120 | $60,663 | 33% |
| Morristown, TN | $57,470 | 130 | $66,544 | 33% |
| Yakima, WA | $57,470 | 220 | $60,150 | 28% |
| Niles, MI | $57,280 | 190 | $62,011 | 29% |
| Huntington, WV | $57,250 | 440 | $64,746 | 23% |
| Beckley, WV | $57,180 | 70 | $64,706 | 22% |
| Brunswick, GA | $57,060 | 130 | $65,057 | 35% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $57,060 | 180 | $65,112 | 27% |
| Kankakee, IL | $57,030 | 120 | $59,163 | 28% |
| Visalia, CA | $57,030 | 330 | $57,130 | 36% |
| Hanford, CA | $56,750 | 90 | $55,850 | 41% |
| Alexandria, LA | $56,660 | 180 | $66,125 | 22% |
| Athens, GA | $56,660 | 220 | $60,701 | 38% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $56,660 | 630 | $56,162 | 39% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $56,660 | 250 | $61,530 | 33% |
| Kennewick, WA | $56,660 | 280 | $56,615 | 36% |
| Odessa, TX | $56,660 | 140 | $60,343 | 33% |
| San Angelo, TX | $56,660 | 100 | $61,285 | 28% |
| Panama City, FL | $56,300 | 230 | $57,865 | 37% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $56,300 | 130 | $64,664 | 23% |
| Waco, TX | $56,300 | 360 | $60,832 | 30% |
| Albany, GA | $55,930 | 150 | $63,797 | 23% |
| Anniston, AL | $55,930 | 150 | $65,073 | 21% |
| Auburn, AL | $55,930 | 190 | $63,605 | 34% |
| Augusta, GA | $55,930 | 670 | $60,858 | 31% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $55,930 | 210 | $62,021 | 26% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $55,930 | 630 | $61,150 | 32% |
| Crestview, FL | $55,930 | 310 | $57,641 | 42% |
| El Centro, CA | $55,930 | 130 | $58,766 | 39% |
| Gadsden, AL | $55,930 | 140 | $65,298 | 23% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $55,930 | 180 | $61,998 | 32% |
| Montgomery, AL | $55,930 | 490 | $62,365 | 30% |
| Ocala, FL | $55,930 | 460 | $58,729 | 34% |
| Texarkana, TX | $55,930 | 180 | $66,574 | 27% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $55,930 | 110 | $60,722 | 33% |
| Valdosta, GA | $55,930 | 160 | $63,362 | 29% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $55,930 | 230 | $59,634 | 32% |
| Logan, UT | $55,710 | 110 | $58,075 | 31% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $55,710 | 170 | $63,298 | 27% |
| Columbia, SC | $55,610 | 980 | $59,373 | 34% |
| Cleveland, TN | $55,490 | 120 | $63,000 | 30% |
| College Station, TX | $55,490 | 280 | $61,011 | 33% |
| Elkhart, IN | $55,490 | 170 | $61,434 | 26% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $55,490 | 130 | $64,030 | 24% |
| Grand Island, NE | $55,490 | 90 | $64,034 | 29% |
| Houma, LA | $55,490 | 220 | $65,203 | 28% |
| Lawton, OK | $55,490 | 130 | $64,568 | 24% |
| Macon, GA | $55,490 | 280 | $62,681 | 26% |
| Sebring, FL | $55,490 | 130 | $60,009 | 33% |
| Yuma, AZ | $55,490 | 180 | $59,856 | 31% |
| Dalton, GA | $55,450 | 140 | $61,718 | 30% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $55,020 | 130 | $62,285 | 41% |
| Lewiston, ID | $54,960 | 60 | $60,290 | 32% |
| St. George, UT | $54,960 | 190 | $56,473 | 40% |
| Columbus, GA | $54,430 | 350 | $60,955 | 30% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $54,430 | 150 | $57,844 | 34% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $54,060 | 460 | $57,731 | 38% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $53,310 | 120 | $59,736 | 29% |
| The Villages, FL | $53,310 | 40 | $62,406 | 39% |
| Sumter, SC | $52,520 | 140 | $59,668 | 34% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $52,340 | 140 | $55,998 | 40% |
| Hinesville, GA | $52,180 | 70 | $55,550 | 40% |
What the median mail carrier salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $60,550 |
| Month | $5,046 |
| Every two weeks | $2,329 |
| Week | $1,164 |
| Hour | $29.11 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a mail carrier: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | Short-term on-the-job training |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | −0.3% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 19,600 |
| Self-employed | % |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeper | $50,670 | Some college |
| Bank teller | $43,030 | High school diploma |
| Administrative assistant | $47,540 | High school diploma |
| Executive assistant | $76,590 | High school diploma |
| Customer service representative | $44,770 | High school diploma |
| Receptionist | $38,010 | High school diploma |
| Dispatcher | $50,340 | High school diploma |
Questions about mail carrier pay
How much does a mail carrier make an hour?
The median is $29.11 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $20.38 and the top 10% over $38.96.
How much does a mail carrier make a month?
About $5,046 a month before taxes at the median salary of $60,550, or $2,329 every two weeks.
What state pays mail carriers the most?
The District of Columbia, with a median of $64,250. Rhode Island ($63,610), Arizona ($62,390), California ($62,090) and Illinois ($62,070) follow.
Where do mail carriers make the most after cost of living?
Arkansas: its median of $59,700 is worth $68,670 at typical US prices. South Dakota, Iowa and Oklahoma come next.
How much do entry-level mail carriers make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of mail carriers earn under $42,390 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $48,940, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a mail carrier?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as no formal educational credential. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: short-term on-the-job training.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 43-5052 (Postal Service Mail Carriers). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.