The U.S. Postal Service is one of the largest employers in the country, and it hires for entry-level roles throughout the year, with extra hiring around the holidays. Many positions do not require a college degree or previous experience, and some lead to career jobs with federal benefits. The application process has a few steps that trip people up, though, especially the online assessment and the background check.
This guide explains the main entry-level jobs, what recent postings show for starting pay, who can apply, how the hiring process works and how to avoid USPS job scams. It is an independent guide, not a recruitment notice. Always confirm current openings and pay on the official USPS careers site.
The main entry-level USPS jobs
Most new hires start in a non-career position, which is a flexible role that can later convert to a career position with fuller benefits. The most common entry jobs are listed below, with starting pay from a May 2026 USPS hiring announcement in Connecticut. Pay can differ by location and is set by union agreements, so treat these as examples rather than national rates.
| Position | What you do | Starting pay in recent posting |
|---|---|---|
| City Carrier Assistant (CCA) | Deliver and collect mail on foot or by vehicle in city routes | $21.21 per hour |
| Assistant Rural Carrier (ARC) | Cover rural routes, often on weekends and holidays, sometimes in your own vehicle | $21.89 per hour |
| Postal Support Employee (PSE) | Sort mail, work retail counters or support processing plants | $21.44 per hour |
| Mail Handler Assistant (MHA) | Load, unload and move mail in processing facilities | Check the posting for your area |
| Automotive Technician | Maintain and repair postal vehicles | $63,658 a year in that posting |
Carrier jobs are physical and outdoor in all weather, with a lot of walking, lifting and time on your feet. Processing jobs are indoors but often involve night shifts, repetitive motion and standing for long periods. Retail clerks work at Post Office counters with customers.
Who can apply
Requirements vary by job, but the May 2026 USPS announcement listed the basics: be at least 18, hold a valid U.S. driver’s license for driving roles and pass a drug screening and criminal background check. USPS also requires applicants to be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or citizens of certain U.S. territories. Driving roles usually require a safe driving record, and some require at least two years of driving experience.
Military veterans may receive veterans’ preference, which can add points to assessment scores for eligible applicants. If you are a veteran, include your documentation when you apply.
How the hiring process works
- Search for openings. Go to the official USPS careers site and search by location and job title. Postings are updated often, so check regularly.
- Create a candidate profile and apply. Submit an application for each specific posting you want, with accurate employment history and contact details.
- Complete the online assessment. Many jobs require a virtual assessment sent by email. Watch your inbox and spam folder, and complete it before the deadline.
- Pass the background and driving checks. USPS reviews criminal history and, for driving roles, your motor vehicle record.
- Interview and drug screen. Selected applicants are usually interviewed and must pass a drug test before an offer.
- Attend orientation and training. Carriers typically complete classroom and on-the-job training, including driving training for postal vehicles.
Example: An applicant applies for a City Carrier Assistant position and receives the assessment email a few days later, but it lands in his spam folder. By the time he finds it, the deadline has passed and his application is closed. Adding USPS emails to your safe senders list and checking spam daily after applying prevents this common mistake.
The assessment: what to expect
The online assessment is not a typical knowledge test. It asks about how you would handle work situations, your work style and, for some jobs, checks attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions or remember information. Answer honestly and consistently, since the questions look for reliability, safety and customer service. Take it on a computer with a stable connection, in a quiet place, and allow enough time to finish without rushing.
USPS does not charge for the assessment, and you do not need to buy a study guide or pay anyone to access it. Free practice information and the official How to Apply guidance are on USPS’s own site.
Pay, benefits and career paths
Non-career employees are paid hourly and may work variable hours, including weekends and holidays, especially in carrier roles. Many non-career employees can later convert to career positions, which come with federal benefits such as health insurance, retirement under the Federal Employees Retirement System and paid leave. How quickly that happens varies by location and staffing.
Career paths include moving into regular carrier, clerk or mail handler positions, and later into supervisory, maintenance, technical or management roles. Experience at the Postal Service can also help when applying for other federal jobs.
Avoid USPS job scams
Scammers often advertise “guaranteed postal jobs” or sell exam study packages and placement services. USPS does not charge application fees, does not guarantee jobs for a fee and does not hire through text messages or social media chats. Be cautious with websites that look official but are not usps.com, and never give your Social Security number or bank details to a third party offering to help you get hired.
Example: A website advertises “Postal Exam Prep: guaranteed placement within 30 days” for $99 and asks for your Social Security number to “reserve your test slot.” This is not affiliated with USPS. Apply only through USPS’s official careers site, where the application and assessment are free.
Tips to improve your chances
Apply for several positions and locations if you can, since some offices hire more often than others. Make sure your driving record is clean before applying for carrier jobs. Respond quickly to every email and phone call during hiring, and attend local USPS hiring fairs when they are announced, since officials there can explain current and upcoming openings in your area. Be honest about your availability, because flexibility for weekends and holidays is valued in non-career roles.
Common questions
How much do USPS jobs pay to start
A May 2026 USPS announcement in Connecticut listed $21.21 an hour for City Carrier Assistants, $21.89 for Assistant Rural Carriers and $21.44 for Postal Support Employees. Pay can vary by location and role.
Do I need experience to work at USPS
Most entry-level jobs do not require previous experience. Driving roles require a valid license and safe driving record, and all applicants must pass background checks and a drug screen.
Is there a postal exam
Many jobs require an online assessment instead of the older written exams. It is free and sent by email after you apply.
How long does USPS hiring take
It varies by location and position. Some applicants hear back within a few weeks, while others wait longer depending on background checks and local needs.
Before you apply
Choose the kind of work that suits you, check the requirements in each posting, apply through USPS’s official careers site and watch your email closely for the assessment. Never pay anyone for a postal job or exam.
Editorial note: This is an independent career guide, not a recruitment notice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Postal Service. Pay figures come from a May 2026 USPS hiring announcement in Connecticut and may differ in other areas. Confirm current openings, pay and requirements on USPS’s official careers site.