USPS is a popular employer, especially for those who live in rural areas and have a driving license.
In addition, USPS postal jobs offer many opportunities for growth and advancement.
So if you are looking to get a job with the USPS, you might be wondering whether or not it is actually a good job. Here is what I discovered!
Key Takeaways
Is Working At USPS A Good Job In 2022?
Working for the USPS is attractive due to the diverse positions, opportunities for advancement, and extensive retirement package. Additionally, workers at the USPS will be pleased to find that salaries by far exceed the National minimum wage even at entry-level positions. An overabundance of perks makes the USPS a desirable workplace.
Everyone knows job research is exhausting, so keep reading for time-saving tips to land this in-demand career!
Is The USPS A Stressful Job?
Past workers complain that certain aspects of working for the USPS are extremely stressful.
Since most positions require heavy amounts of customer service, dissatisfied customers can sometimes make the job stressful.
Employees also complain about faulty equipment, route changes, and poor work-life balance.
What Hours Do USPS Workers Work?
Due to the business nature of the post office, most workers have a set schedule of 8 hours per day, five days a week.
However, some positions require early morning and late-night shifts, such as package sorters and truck loaders, and unloaders.
Shifts can start as early as 4 am and last well into the night.
Clerks, mail carriers, and those who work at processing plants may also be required to work holidays.
Luckily, “widely observed” holidays such as Christmas Day everyone gets a well-deserved day off.
As you can see, postal careers place a real damper on your holiday party calendar!
What Is The Best USPS Job?
Rural routes are the most sought-after position at the USPS.
As a result, a rural mail carrier is considered to be the best USPS job.
Rural carriers earn nearly $75,000 per year! As you can see, the money makes this job worthwhile.
Can You Retire From The USPS?
USPS workers are eligible to retire if they meet specific requirements.
According to the Office of Personnel Management, workers must meet one of the following conditions:
- If age 56 or older be covered by FERS and have a minimum 30 years of service
- If age 60 or older be covered by FERS and have at least 5 years of service
- Be 56 years old, covered by FERS and have worked 10 years (a smaller annuity will be received)
- Be 55 years old, covered by CSRS and 30 years of service
- Be 60 years old, covered by CSRS and 20 years of service
- Be 62 years of age, covered by CSRS and 5 years of service
Despite the strict conditions, USPS retirees receive a very generous retirement package with a lifetime pension.
What Is The Career Outlook For USPS Carriers?
Recently efforts to improve technology, training, and modernize the postal service were input to improve community approval.
In light of these changes in standards at the USPS, some job seekers may be wary of applying for postal careers.
Unfortunately, periods of change are always unsettling to job seekers and can exhibit industry insecurity.
Despite declines in employment, the BLS forecasts that USPS will have a projected 31,900 openings each year.
This number reflects those workers exiting the workforce will need to be replaced, creating new job opportunities.
Is Working For The USPS A Federal Job?
Despite working for a government agency, USPS workers are not considered to be federal employees.
Instead, USPS employees are designated as postal workers.
However, this does not stop USPS from receiving the same benefits as those that work under the federal government with the USPS.
What Do USPS Workers Do?
Postal workers do many diverse functions. Typically, USPS Workers are responsible for:
- Collecting letters and packages
- Sorting incoming mail items
- Sales of stamps and other postal products
- Obtaining and verifying customer signatures
- Safe operation of equipment
- Mail distribution
Due to the many departments, finding a USPS position that fits your skills is not difficult.
Which opens opportunities for you to reap the fantastic benefits of a USPS career.
What Are The Benefits & Career Paths Of Working For The USPS
As a result, the USPS offers many excellent benefits that may not be well known.
Namely, the generous retirement program, which offers postal workers pension and healthcare benefits is most enticing.
In addition, careers provide flexible hours, vacation time, sick leave, healthcare coverage, and more generous holidays than in other occupations.
What Does The USPS Pay?
In contrast to other industries, the USPS routinely hires nearly 600,000 people every year and has more than 700,000 workers.
Surprisingly, the salaries of USPS workers range from $17.39-$25.59 per hour, well above minimum wage.
What’s more, the USPS offers diverse and flexible career opportunities, allowing individuals paths for career advancement.
For example, growth within management positions offers competitive pay packages, bonuses, and more.
Things To Consider Before Applying For A US Postal Service Job
USPS is an equal opportunity employer with a variety of careers – everything from customer service representatives to letter carriers.
In light of the many positions, searching the USPS website is the best way to find career descriptions and submit online applications.
Fortunately for job seekers, the USPS is constantly hiring new employees.
They are looking for people willing to work on a full-time, part-time, and seasonal basis.
Night owls looking for an opportunity to work on weekends or evenings; this might be the perfect opportunity for you.
With this in mind, if you want to apply, you must be aware of what it takes to become a postal worker.
How to Prepare For A Career At The US Postal Service
In order to become a postman or mail carrier, you need to pass the Postal Exam.
A USPS exam is a series of tests designed to measure your comprehension of job skills, including math, general knowledge, and logic.
What Are The USPS Qualifications For Employment?
USPS jobs require activities that often require lifting heavy packages and standing on their feet for extended periods.
As a result, being a USPS worker comes with a variety of work requirements, including the following:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a valid social security number
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be able to lift 70 lbs.
- Must read and write English proficiently
- Be willing to relocate if necessary
Due to physical and mental demands, applicants must pass a physical examination, drug screen, and extensive background check before reviewing applications.
How To Apply For the USPS Job Program
Furthermore, visit the USPS website to locate helpful information on applying for open jobs at the USPS.
For your convenience, below are steps you can follow to apply for a job with USPS:
- Check their website to see which positions are available
- Fill out an online application form
- Wait up to 2 weeks to hear back about your application
To learn more, you can also see our posts on USPS attendance policy, USPS termination policy, and the USPS sick leave policy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, USPS workers are an essential part of society responsible for delivering about 40% of America’s mail.
Since they are the second-largest employer in the United States jobs USPS jobs are highly sought.
As expected, the many benefits and excellent salary make USPS a great place to work.
Above all, Remember, USPS Carriers provide a vital service in our society, and they do it all without breaking a sweat!