Overview
USPS postal workers — carriers, clerks, and mail handlers — earn wages set through collective bargaining with the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and American Postal Workers Union (APWU). City carrier and clerk positions generally pay more than rural carrier associates. USPS also offers career-track positions with full benefits after a probationary period, as well as transitional non-career roles. Career postal employees receive the Federal Employees Health Benefits package and contribute to the CSRS or FERS retirement system.
Highest-paying states
Annual median salary for Postal Worker (USPS)s by state (BLS OEWS 2024–2026)
Lowest-paying states
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Mississippi | $42,000 |
| West Virginia | $43,000 |
| Arkansas | $44,000 |
| South Dakota | $44,000 |
| Montana | $45,000 |
Benefits & total compensation
Base salary is only part of the picture. Government employers typically provide benefits packages that add 30–50% on top of base pay in total value. Key benefits for Postal Worker (USPS)s include:
- ✓FEHB health insurance (broad plan selection, partially employer-funded)
- ✓FERS or CSRS retirement pension
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan with agency matching
- ✓Union representation and collective bargaining
- ✓Paid holidays, annual leave, and sick leave
- ✓Workers compensation and life insurance
What affects your pay
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023–2024. Figures represent median annual wages for workers in the listed occupation. Total compensation including benefits, overtime, and pension contributions may differ substantially from base salary. Last reviewed: April 2026.