USPS will deliver about 15 billion pieces of mail between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. With all the work that goes into processing, sorting, and delivering all that mail, it’s no wonder the Postal Service needs some extra help during the busy season.
That’s why USPS hires about 40,000 seasonal workers every year. If you want to know more about how long these jobs last, what they pay, and how to apply, then check out all the information I discovered!
Key Takeaways
USPS Seasonal Job In 2022
USPS hires most of its seasonal workers (about 40,000 people) to work between Thanksgiving and Christmas as of 2022. Most seasonal workers only work about 21 days, but they can work up to 89 days at a time. Mail handlers, drivers, and mail carriers are the most common roles for seasonal workers, with starting pay being $11 per hour.
If you still need more details about the requirements and the hiring process, then keep reading!
Does USPS Hire Seasonally?
USPS does hire seasonal workers, particularly for the winter holiday season. In 2021, the Postal Service planned on hiring more than 40,000 people in all zip codes temporarily.
That said, seasonal job opportunities include (but are not limited to) city and rural mail carriers, mail handlers, and drivers.
Mail processing positions, where workers sort and deliver mail, are the most popular seasonal jobs at USPS.
Still, some local Post Offices train seasonal employees to deliver mail on special routes, such as a route just for packages.
So, while the winter holiday season is by far the busiest time for seasonal jobs at USPS, there are a limited number of summer jobs available as well.
With that, these jobs usually consist of mail processing and package delivery.
How Long Is A Seasonal Job At USPS?
Seasonal employees (also known as casual labor) can work up to 89 days at a time, twice a year.
Put another way; a seasonal employee can work a maximum of two 89-day terms per year.
That said, most seasonal employees won’t work that long. For example, some people hired for the winter holiday season only end up working 21 days.
How Much Does A USPS Seasonal Job Pay?
Ultimately, how much you can make in a seasonal job with USPS depends on the position, experience, and whether or not you pass a mail exam.
That said, many seasonal employees work as clerks or mail handlers. Further, these positions pay an average of $11 per hour (with no benefits).
However, if you have some experience or can pass a test, your starting rate could go as high as $15.03 per hour.
What Hours Do Seasonal USPS Employees Work?
As a lot of seasonal work revolves around sorting and processing mail, many seasonal employees will work early mornings or evenings to prepare mail for delivery.
Further, supplemental delivery drivers (who mainly deliver packages) work daytime hours.
Also, it’s important to keep in mind that seasonal workers aren’t guaranteed a certain number of hours per week, and they may not have a regular schedule.
Still, they can work up to 12 hours per day, six days a week if needed.
What Are The Requirements For A USPS Seasonal Job?
Even though a seasonal job with USPS is a temporary position, there are several requirements if you’re hoping to get hired. That said, here’s what you’ll need:
- Be at least 18 years old or at least 16 with a high school diploma
- Be legally able to work in the United States (citizen or permanent resident)
- Be able to speak English
- Be able to pass a drug test
- Be able to lift 70 pounds and push heavy bins (for most jobs)
- Have a clean driving record (if hired as a driver)
Testing is not required for seasonal positions, but prospective candidates can take a test when applying. With that, those who take and pass the test may be entitled to a higher hourly wage.
How Do I Get Hired For A USPS Seasonal Job?
If you meet all of the requirements listed above, you have a good chance of getting hired because USPS desperately needs extra help during this period, so it can’t afford to be too picky.
With that in mind, the easiest way to apply for a seasonal job is by going to the hiring page on the USPS website, finding a position at your local Post Office, and completing an application.
In addition to its online job portal, USPS hosts hiring fairs in select cities around the country. Here, potential employees can apply directly for seasonal roles.
When Does USPS Hire For Seasonal Jobs?
USPS usually begins the hiring process for seasonal workers in early September. That said, most start working around Thanksgiving when the mail volume starts picking up.
Also, there can be last-minute hires in the Fall as Postmasters get a clearer idea of the expected mail volume.
Why Does USPS Hire Seasonal Workers?
USPS hires seasonal workers to manage the increased mail and package volume that accompanies the winter holiday season.
With that, October to the end of the year are the busiest months for USPS.
While this time of year has always been busy, the holidays have become busier in the last ten years due to the rise in online shopping.
In fact, in 2011, USPS delivered 3.3 billion packages. By 2020, that number was up to 7.3 billion. Based on these figures, it’s clear why USPS needs extra help from time to time.
So, increased shipping volume is the number one reason USPS hires seasonal workers, but there’s another reason.
For example, many permanent USPS employees take time off during the holiday season and the summer, so USPS needs to cover their absences.
Can A Seasonal USPS Job Become Permanent?
In some cases, a seasonal USPS job can become permanent.
While the idea of transitioning from a seasonal job to a permanent role seems pretty established, there aren’t too many details about how to make that happen.
Most likely, getting a permanent job at USPS after working seasonally depends on the workforce at the Post Office where you work (i.e., if there are positions available) and your job performance.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on USPS holiday pay, USPS pre-hire list, and if USPS is a good job.
Conclusion
Seasonal work with USPS is a great way to earn some extra money over the holiday season. However, the pay might not be the best, and the schedule is unpredictable.
Still, getting hired is pretty easy, and your seasonal job may even become permanent if you’re lucky!