Curious which postal roles pay best and which application path saves you time? You’ll get clear, usable information to pick the right positions in the united states. This intro gives a simple roadmap so you can act fast.

Some listings now live on the new usps careers site while others remain in the legacy eCareer system. That split matters because profiles do not transfer, and knowing where to submit an application saves wasted effort.

Here’s what you’ll learn: top jobs hiring, typical pay ranges, required checks and tests, and quick steps to search by ZIP and track your status. All applications and exams are free, and any fee requests should be reported to the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Read on for a short, practical guide that shows where each mail role posts, what the usual pay looks like, and the exact actions you should take next.

USPS careers at a glance: openings, pay, and the two application systems

You’ll use one of two platforms depending on the role you want. Entry-level listings like Mail Handler Assistant, City Carrier Assistant, PSE Mail Processing clerk roles and PSE Sales & Services/Distribution Associate are live on the new usps careers portal.

Many other positions — rural carriers, drivers, maintenance, and corporate posts — remain in the legacy eCareer system. Profiles do not transfer, so create separate accounts if you target roles across both platforms.

Pay appears on each posting; check the hourly rate and locality adjustments. Overtime, holiday work, and shift premiums can raise your take-home pay.

All applications and exams are free. Save time by building a complete profile and resume, expect email communications about assessments, and review basic eligibility — age, work authorization, and any required background check or criminal background check — before you spend time on a submission.

Employment eligibility and hiring requirements you must meet

Start by checking the essential requirements so you can self-qualify quickly. Meeting these items up front saves time and avoids surprises during pre-employment steps.

Age, citizenship and Selective Service registration

You must be at least 18 at appointment (16 if you already hold a high school diploma). You also need legal work status as a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or citizen of American Samoa or other united states territories. If Selective Service registration applies to you, make sure that is current.

Criminal background check, drug screening and medical assessment

A full criminal background check is mandatory. These checks use U.S. resources (FBI, state and county) and generally cover the last five years where you lived, worked, or studied in the united states or united states territories.

If a complete background check cannot be completed because you lived outside the U.S., you will usually be ineligible unless your overseas time fits specific categories (dependent of a U.S. government worker, missionary, student, Peace Corps or employed by a U.S.-based employer).

Safe driving record for motor vehicle positions

For roles that require driving a vehicle, you must show a safe driving record. Some positions require a commercial driver’s license — check the specific listing for carrier or motor roles.

Application and exam cost: always free

Applications and exams are always free. Keep recent employment history and ID ready, watch your email for scheduling, and report fee-based scams to the inspection service.

Job openings in the new USPS Careers system (jobs.usps.com)

If you want hands-on processing or retail hours, the new careers portal hosts key positions. Below are clear duties, pay notes shown on postings, and the exact steps you follow in the new system.

Mail Handler Assistant (MHA)

You load, unload, sort mail and operate handling equipment. Postings list hourly pay and shift details.

How to submit: go to usps careers, enter your ZIP, open the MHA posting, sign in or create a profile, and complete the application.

City Carrier Assistant (CCA)

You sort, deliver, and collect mail by foot or vehicle in all weather and interact with customers. Route and rate appear on each listing.

How to submit: search your ZIP, pick a CCA position, verify schedule and pay, finish your profile, and submit.

PSE Mail Processing Clerk

You sort incoming and outgoing mail using automated systems and stand for long periods. Pay varies by location and shift.

How to submit: search ZIP, open the clerk posting, upload your resume, confirm shift/pay, and submit before the close date.

PSE Sales & Services/Distribution Associate

You serve customers, handle sales and returns, and perform passport tasks. Check each posting for hourly rate and duties.

How to submit: search by ZIP, select the posting, confirm requirements, complete your profile with a resume, and submit.

Roles available in the legacy eCareer system: rural, motor vehicle, maintenance and more

If you prefer motor or maintenance positions, the legacy eCareer system hosts many of these listings. Below are the common roles, what you’ll do, where pay appears on postings, and exact steps to submit an application in eCareer.

Rural Carrier Associate (RCA)

Duties: Sort, deliver, and collect mail and packages along rural routes. You may sell stamps or money orders and sometimes use a personal vehicle.

Salary & application: Hourly pay and route notes appear in the posting. In legacy eCareer, search “Rural Carrier” by state or keyword, open the RCA listing, create your Candidate profile, review pay and schedule, then submit your application.

Assistant Rural Carrier (ARC)

Duties: Deliver packages on weekends, Sundays, and holidays. Many ARCs use a personal vehicle for deliveries.

Salary & application: The hourly rate and required days are listed in eCareer. Search “Assistant Rural Carrier” or “ARC,” read vehicle requirements, complete your profile, and send your application.

Quick notes: For MVO and TTO bring a safe driving record and the required CDL class. Maintenance and vehicle positions often list benefits like health insurance and retirement in the posting. Track your status under Job Opportunities > Applications in eCareer and watch email for assessments. Applications and exams are free; avoid third‑party fee requests and report scams to the inspection service.

Salaries and benefits at USPS: what to expect by position

What you earn depends on the role, where you work, and how often you pick up overtime. Posts list hourly pay and any locality adjustments right in each posting, so always check the listed rate before you submit your application.

Pay structures for carriers, clerks, handlers and motor vehicle roles

Carrier, clerk, handler, and vehicle roles use posted hourly bands that vary by location. Compare rates for carriers, PSE clerks, MHAs, and motor vehicle roles before you make a decision.

Motor vehicle and maintenance roles often show differentials for overnight shifts and may require CDLs. These listings sometimes include retirement references and higher pay scales.

Benefits overview: health insurance, leave and career progression

Many positions note health insurance eligibility, paid leave accrual, and pathways for career conversion. PSE and MHA posts may list limited benefits that expand after career conversion.

If you have relevant experience, highlight it. Strong experience can help you move into higher-paying career positions faster.

Overtime, weekends and holidays: how they impact earnings

Overtime, weekend work, and holiday shifts can significantly raise your total earnings. Carrier and handler roles commonly offer extra hours during peak mail periods.

Final tip: Always confirm exact pay, schedule, physical requirements, and benefit notes in the official posting and keep a copy for your records before you submit.

Job openings at USPS: see salaries and how to apply — step-by-step in the new system

Start with a clean profile and a valid email so you receive every notice about roles in your area. Create your usps careers profile, add contact details, work history, and set a secure password. All communication comes by email, so confirm that inbox and check spam.

Create your USPS Careers profile and set up job alerts

Set alerts for your ZIP code and target positions (MHA, CCA, PSE clerk, Sales & Services/Distribution). Alerts save you time and let you act fast when new postings go live.

Search by ZIP code, review postings and submit your application

Search using ZIP, open each posting, and read pay, schedule, and eligibility. Upload a tailored resume, complete required fields, and save progress if you need more time.

After you apply: email communications and pre-employment assessments

Watch your inbox for confirmation emails and assessment requests. Be ready for a background check, drug screen, and medical assessment if required.

Applying through the eCareer system: setup, requirements and submission

Before you start, make sure your computer and PDF viewer are ready so the eCareer form loads without error. Use a desktop or laptop with a supported browser: Internet Explorer 7–11, Firefox, Chrome, or Safari. Ensure Adobe PDF Reader is installed and enabled to view application documents.

Create your Candidate profile and complete work history

Create a single Candidate profile with a valid email and complete contact details. Enter full work history covering the last five years or back to age 16, whichever is shorter.

If you have gaps, add “unemployment” entries and estimate dates. Be concise and transparent about separations to avoid delays in the screening process.

Master your Summary of Accomplishments

Write a Summary of Accomplishments that maps directly to the position requirements using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Quantify performance where possible — mail volume handled, delivery accuracy, or customer satisfaction metrics.

Submitting, saving favorites and checking status

You can submit multiple applications while a posting is open and save Favorites for quick access. Saving does not extend deadlines, so submit before the close date. Use the “Send Application” tab to confirm required items are checked.

All applications and exams in the legacy system are free. Monitor your inbox and spam folder for emails about assessments or a criminal background check so you can act fast and keep the process moving.

Smart search strategies to find the best fit fast

Narrow searches by role and place to find the best fit without wasting time. Start with clear role keywords, then add location rules so results match your commute and skills.

Use targeted keywords

Enter precise titles like “Carrier,” “Mail Handler,” “Motor Vehicle Operator,” “Tractor Trailer Operator,” or “Maintenance.” These terms pull focused listings and cut irrelevant hits.

Location filtering and resetting searches

Select states in the Location field and type city names into Keywords. Always hit Reset before a new search to clear old filters that can hide good options.

Save searches and apply broadly

Save your best searches and set alerts for ZIP codes you can commute to. Open multiple postings with similar titles — schedules and requirements often vary, so apply to all that match your availability and experience.

Avoid common mistakes

Don’t over-filter; too many criteria can hide opportunities. Track deadlines and keep profiles complete so an incomplete application doesn’t slow you down.

Conclusion

Wrap up by focusing on three clear actions: confirm eligibility, choose the correct portal, and submit a tailored application for your target position. Keep your resume concise and highlight relevant mail experience.

Confirm age, U.S. work authorization for the united states or territories, and readiness for a criminal background check, drug screen, and medical assessment. For driving roles, check vehicle requirements and your driving record.

Open each posting to note hourly pay, schedule, and location. All applications and exams are free; if a site asks for payment, report it to the Inspection Service. Track emails closely and respond fast so you don’t lose time.