How to Become a Postmasters and Mail Superintendent in 2026

    Median salary: $92,730 · -3.5% projected decline (2024–2034)

    O*NET Code: 11-9131.00 · Data from O*NET & BLS · Updated March 2026
    Median Salary
    $92,730
    annual wage
    Job Growth
    -3.5%
    projected 2024–2034
    Education
    High school diploma or equivalent
    typical entry
    AI Exposure
    59/100
    exposure score
    Section 01

    What does a Postmasters and Mail Superintendent do?

    Plan, direct, or coordinate operational, administrative, management, and support services of a U.S. post office; or coordinate activities of workers engaged in postal and related work in assigned post office.

    Section 02

    Postmasters and Mail Superintendent Salary in 2026

    The median annual salary for Postmasters and Mail Superintendents is $92,730. The bottom 10% earn around $81,430 while the top 10% earn over $109,140.

    Experience levelAnnual salary
    Entry-level (P10)$81,430
    Early career (P25)$87,150
    Median$92,730
    Experienced (P75)$99,590
    Top earners (P90)$109,140
    10th: $81,430Median: $92,73090th: $109,140

    Highest-paying metros

    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
    Highest paying
    $108,240
    top metro salary
    Florida
    $98,990
    $-9,250 vs highest
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
    $98,550
    $-9,690 vs highest
    New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
    $98,030
    $-10,210 vs highest
    Pittsburgh, PA
    $97,160
    $-11,080 vs highest
    California
    $97,050
    $-11,190 vs highest
    New Jersey
    $96,900
    $-11,340 vs highest
    Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
    $95,580
    $-12,660 vs highest

    Postmasters and Mail Superintendent salary by state

    StateMedian salary
    Floridatop$98,990
    Rhode Island$98,720
    California$97,050
    New Jersey$96,900
    Tennessee$95,470
    Kentucky$94,870
    Utah$94,720
    Delaware$94,550
    South Carolina$94,520
    Arizona$94,410
    Connecticut$94,370
    Georgia$94,120
    Indiana$94,060
    Texas$94,060
    Michigan$93,940
    Arkansas$93,930
    Hawaii$93,910
    Massachusetts$93,230
    New York$93,230
    Ohio$93,230
    Pennsylvania$93,100
    Wisconsin$93,080
    West Virginia$92,900
    Louisiana$92,870
    North Carolina$92,780
    Oklahoma$92,450
    Alabama$92,120
    Missouri$91,750
    Illinois$91,370
    Washington$91,370
    Mississippi$91,310
    Maryland$91,150
    Virginia$90,520
    Maine$90,250
    New Hampshire$90,080
    Nebraska$89,710
    Iowa$89,670
    Minnesota$89,670
    Kansas$89,610
    Oregon$89,520
    Colorado$89,480
    Idaho$88,780
    South Dakota$88,730
    New Mexico$87,980
    North Dakota$87,980
    Vermont$87,150
    Nevada$86,320
    Montana$85,320
    Wyoming$82,620
    Alaska$57,490

    How to earn more as a Postmasters and Mail Superintendent

    The salary range for Postmasters and Mail Superintendents spans $27,710 — from $81,430 at entry level to $109,140 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA at $108,240 — $15,510 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.

    Section 03

    How to get there

    Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
    Work experience: Less than 5 years
    On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

    Starting from high school

    1. Complete on-the-job training (moderate-term on-the-job training)
    2. Earn industry-recognized certifications (PMP, Six Sigma Black Belt, industry-specific leadership certifications)
    3. Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
    4. Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
    5. Advance to journeyman level or specialized role

    Most entry-level positions provide on-the-job training. Look for apprenticeship programs through unions, trade associations, or the Department of Labor's ApprenticeshipUSA program. Community colleges and vocational schools offer certificate programs that can be completed in 6–12 months. OSHA safety certifications are widely valued and often required.

    3–12 months to start working, 2–4 years to journey level $0–$5K

    Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.

    Switching from another career

    1. Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
    2. Complete a short certification or orientation program (PMP, Six Sigma Black Belt, industry-specific leadership certifications)
    3. Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
    4. Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
    5. Advance faster than new entrants using your professional experience

    Career changers are in demand across this field. Your existing professional skills — problem-solving, communication, time management, and work ethic — are valued by employers even if your technical skills are new. Many organizations offer orientation programs or short certification courses designed specifically for career changers. Contact industry associations, local unions, or community colleges for programs in your area.

    1–6 months to start, faster advancement with prior experience $0–$3K

    Certification costs are typically self-funded, but some employers reimburse. Union programs are paid positions.

    Already working in another career?

    See how your skills transfer to Postmasters and Mail Superintendent — free. PathScorer maps your experience against the requirements and shows you what you already qualify for.

    See how your skills transfer — free
    Free to try No sign-up Based on O*NET data
    Section 06

    AI and automation outlook

    59/100

    The Postmasters and Mail Superintendent role faces above-average AI exposure. Some tasks are increasingly automatable, but the role is evolving rather than disappearing.

    See full AI risk breakdown
    Section 07

    Related careers to consider

    Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Postmasters and Mail Superintendent.

    Get your personalized Postmasters and Mail Superintendent transition plan

    Includes step-by-step roadmap, skill gap analysis, financial feasibility, and salary comparison by city. Takes 2 minutes.

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    Step-by-step roadmap Skill gap breakdown Financial feasibility Salary by city
    Section 08

    Frequently asked questions

    SOC: 11-9131.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034