Postal Exam Jobs and Salary

💭 How does one go about getting a job at the post office?

If you are wondering about how to get a job at the post office or how to apply for the post office, you can follow these steps:

  1. One of the things that you have to do is go to the Careers site in usps.com. You have to search for any job announcements or vacancies.
  2. If you have found it, you need to look up the post office job requirements for the position you are applying for. If you want to know how to become a mailman, for example, you can find all of the necessary information on the website.  
  3. You then have to create an account and begin your application for the USPS position. 
  4. The next thing is to take the appropriate exam. If you want an entry-level position, then you have to take the postal exam 473, which is now updated into the Virtual Entry Assessment Program or VEA for short. 
  5.  If you’ve passed the post office job test and applied for a position, the last thing you have to do is to get through the hiring process. It will include a group or personal interview and a final interview.    

⌛ How long does it take to get hired at USPS?

According to the book Post Office Jobs, there are a lot of steps to follow when it comes to getting a job at the post office. Typically, an applicant will know whether or not they are being considered for the postal job within 2 weeks to 6 weeks of the job announcement’s closing date.

Often, applicants who pass the exam with a score of 70 and above are added in rank order to a hiring list for each job vacancy. The Postal Service committee will be the one responsible for working their way down until the most qualified candidate is found.   

In addition to that, based on the book, the hiring process is composed of the following: 

  • Job announcement
  • Examinations, if applicable
  • Suitability review:
  •  work history of the applicant
  • criminal records or conviction history
  • personal interviews
  • Medical assessment
  • Selection

💰 How much do postal service workers earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the latest average annual wage for postal service workers is $58,760. The table below depicts a USPS mailman salary, or a mail processor salary, among others.

United States Postal Careers

Annual Salary

Postal service mail processors, sorters, and processing machine operators

$58,770

Postal service clerks

$55,280

Postal service mail carriers

$55,210

If you want to get a job at the post office, you must be able to pass the required exams. These are administered by the United States Postal Service. For entry-level positions, you have to take the postal exam 473 for delivery, distribution, and retail.   

United States Post Office Careers for exam 473

There are 5 USPS postal jobs you can apply for if you pass the test:

City Carriers

There are three categories: City Carrier Assistant 1, City Carrier Assistant 2, and Casual City Carrier. If you want to apply for these positions, the job description states that you will be the one responsible for collecting and delivering mail. It can be done either on foot or by vehicle in a specific location. You will also be required to carry mail (up to 35 pounds) in your satchels, and load and unload mail (up to 70 pounds). 

Mail Processing Clerks

There are two other categories:  PSE Mail Processing Clerk (PSE MPC), and Casual Mail Processing Clerk. If you want to apply for these positions, the job description states that you will be the one working in Postal facilities by processing incoming or outgoing mail. It is done either manually or through automated mail processing equipment. You will also be responsible for collecting and transferring mail (up to 70 pounds). 

Mail handler

There are two other categories: Mail Handler Assistant and Casual Mail Handler. If you want to apply for these positions, the job description states that you’ll be the one who loads and unloads containers. You’ll also open and empty sacks or lifts, and transport mail in postal facilities. You will have to carry mail (up to 70 pounds) and push rolling containers ( up to 1, 500 pounds).  

Sales, Services (Svcs), and Distribution Associate

There are two other categories: Postal Support Employee (PSE) Sales/Svcs/Distribution Associate, and Casual Sales/Svcs/Distribution Associate. If you want to apply for these positions, the job description states that you will be the one who’ll work in retail. You will offer customer service related functions at the Post Office in the front counter.

Rural Carrier

There are two other categories: Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) and Assistant Rural Carrier (ARC). You will be the one who delivers mail on a fixed route. You may be required to manage containers of mail (up to 70 pounds).

🤔 Postal Exam Questions

Does USPS have part-time job positions for college students?

No, they don’t. But, college students can be a part of the supplemental workforce. They are needed during peak mail periods. For college students, they may be considered temporary or casual employees during the summer months. They are also not required to take entrance exams, and they cannot be given appointments to career positions.

Is it hard to apply for a job at a post office?

It depends. The hiring process has a lot of steps to follow. Only those who have the highest scores and are considered as the most qualified are chosen for an interview. That’s why it is important to take the entrance exams seriously. To get a postal job, you must get a score of 70 or higher.  

How long do you need to train to become a postal carrier?

A postal carrier will be trained on the job with the help of experienced workers. It will include classroom instruction on safety and defensive driving. It might take at least 2 weeks or more, depending on how well you’ll learn your job.

How can I access my eCareer USPS candidate profile?

When you submitted your application, you were given an eCareer Candidate ID. Please log back into your eCareer account (www.usps.com/employment) to find your Candidate ID if you don’t have it.

Are USPS mail carrier jobs good?

Working as a mailman, also known as a postal carrier, is a terrific way for folks who enjoy spending time outside to do so. Despite the physical demands of the job, the salary and perks are adequate. If you pass the required examinations, you can begin working for the United States Postal Service directly after graduating from high school.

What are the mailman requirements?

You may wonder “How to apply for post office jobs?” or “What are the USPS job requirements?” Mail carriers at the United States Postal Service must be at least 18 years old or 16 years old with a high school diploma. They must be citizens of the United States or have permanent resident alien status. When men reached the age of 18, they had to register with the Selective Service.

Is there an overnight post office jobs?

Yes. Shifts begin at 4:00 a.m. and end at 8:00 a.m. Evening and night shifts are also available.