Postal Service Mail Carrier Salary in 2026
How Much Do Postal Service Mail Carriers Make?
Postal Service Mail Carriers earn a median annual salary of $57,490 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $42,390 at the 10th percentile to $76,880 at the 90th percentile — a range of $34,490. The highest-paying state is South Dakota at $59,320.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $42,390 |
| 25th percentile | $46,030 |
| Median (50th) | $57,490 |
| 75th percentile | $75,300 |
| 90th percentile | $76,880 |
Postal Service Mail Carrier Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| South Dakotatop | $59,320 |
| Massachusetts | $59,010 |
| Arizona | $58,570 |
| District of Columbia | $58,390 |
| Florida | $58,390 |
| Illinois | $58,390 |
| Maryland | $58,390 |
| Minnesota | $58,390 |
| Nebraska | $58,390 |
| Nevada | $58,390 |
| New York | $58,390 |
| Rhode Island | $58,390 |
| Texas | $58,390 |
| Utah | $58,390 |
| Virginia | $58,390 |
| Washington | $58,390 |
| California | $58,390 |
| Indiana | $57,910 |
| Iowa | $57,820 |
| New Jersey | $57,490 |
| North Dakota | $57,490 |
| Ohio | $57,490 |
| Oklahoma | $57,490 |
| New Hampshire | $57,470 |
| Wisconsin | $57,470 |
| Connecticut | $57,470 |
| North Carolina | $57,200 |
| Tennessee | $57,030 |
| Delaware | $56,660 |
| Arkansas | $56,560 |
| Michigan | $56,450 |
| Missouri | $56,450 |
| Kansas | $56,330 |
| Kentucky | $56,330 |
| Maine | $56,330 |
| Montana | $56,330 |
| Oregon | $56,330 |
| Pennsylvania | $56,330 |
| Vermont | $56,330 |
| Colorado | $56,330 |
| Idaho | $55,930 |
| Louisiana | $55,930 |
| South Carolina | $55,930 |
| New Mexico | $55,540 |
| West Virginia | $55,540 |
| Alabama | $55,200 |
| Georgia | $54,270 |
| Hawaii | $54,270 |
| Alaska | $54,270 |
| Wyoming | $54,270 |
| Mississippi | $53,600 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Postal Service Mail Carriers
Postal Service Mail Carrier Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$42,390 – $46,030 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$57,490 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$75,300 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $76,880+ |
How to Earn More as a Postal Service Mail Carrier
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Postal Service Mail Carriers in Fargo, ND-MN earn $64,540 — $7,050 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($75,300) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
Want to see if a different career pays more for your skills? PathScorer maps your experience against hundreds of occupations and shows you where you're most competitive. Try it free →
Postal Service Mail Carrier Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Postal Service Mail Carrierthis career | $57,490 |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager | $102,010 |
| Postmasters and Mail Superintendent | $92,730 |
| Baggage Porters and Bellhop | $36,020 |
| Counter and Rental Clerk | $38,540 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
PathScorer compares your skills to Postal Service Mail Carrier requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.
See how your skills compare — freeFrequently Asked Questions
SOC: 43-5052.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.