Working for the United States Postal Service (USPS) can be rewarding if you aim for good benefits or career advancement.
The postal service has a wide range of positions ranging from entry to advanced.
If you’ve been thinking of working for USPS, then you will want to know the advantages and drawbacks.
Below, we’ll inform you of everything you’d want to know about working for the company.
Table of Contents
Pros of Working for USPS
Before applying for a USPS job, applicants should carefully consider the benefits.
There are many reasons why working for the US Postal Service is a great idea.
However, the job isn’t suited for everyone.
Below, we’ll provide a rundown of some of the benefits.
#1: Stay Active
Most jobs at USPS locations require employees to be constantly on their feet.
If you’re not into working a sedentary job, then working at the USPS might be for you.
Many positions, such as mail carrier or warehouse worker, will keep you on your toes as you sort through packages and mail.
#2: Job Security
Unlike other professions, USPS positions have good job security.
The USPS system is an independent agency of the United States federal government.
Government jobs are known for having the best job security.
The United States Postal Service has been around since 1971 and has since continued to expand.
Those looking for job security, especially during tough times, will appreciate the job.
#3: No Continued Education Required
No formal education is typically required to apply for USPS jobs.
Postal service workers only need to have a high school diploma or GED to apply for the job.
However, applicants will need to pass a written exam in order to work there.
So, while continued education isn’t required, there is still some need for reading comprehension and written skills.
#4: Career Advancement Opportunities
One of the major benefits of working for USPS is that there is plenty of room for growth.
No matter what position you’re in, the company offers a wide variety of training and development programs.
If you’re looking to further your career or head up the ladder, then applying to these programs can help.
The programs can also aid in developing personal skills, such as technical training, managerial skills, and executive development.
#5: Competitive Pay
Pay is highly dependent on what role you apply for, but USPS does have competitive pay for all offered positions.
The average USPS hourly pay starts at $17 an hour, which is well above minimum wage.
According to Ziprecruiter, salaries fall between the range of $14.59 to $24.48.
Remember, this is at the start of a career, and years of service and promotions can lead to higher pay.
#6: Overtime
In addition to competitive pay, USPS also allows workers to get overtime pay.
Overtime pay is time and a half for each hour worked over the average 40-hour work week or eight-hour day.
During busier times of the year, such as holidays, workers can easily get overtime and increase their monthly pay.
In addition, workers who work on Sunday earn additional premium pay, which is equal to 25% of their basic pay for each hour.
#7: Flexible Schedule
Since the postal service operates six out of seven days of the week, it allows workers to have control over their schedule.
If you’re working an average 40-hour week, then you can easily fill up your schedule.
Part-time workers will have more control over which days they work and can even opt for additional hours if needed.
#8: Great Benefits
Since the US postal service is associated with the government, the benefits are great.
Workers will receive Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), which provides excellent coverage.
In addition, there are other plans available, and employee premium contributions aren’t taxable.
Besides that, USPS also provides dental and vision insurance under the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
Other benefits include retirement, a thrift saving plan, social security, life insurance, and sick days/leave.
#9: Salary Increases
Basic pay rates start at a reasonable range, but workers who stick long-term see increased wages over the years.
There are regular salary increases, overtime pay, night shift differential, and Sunday premium pay.
Of course, salary is determined by the position held, but each position regularly sees an increase the longer they stay.
Cons of Working for USPS
Aside from all the great benefits, there are also a handful of considerations.
While many workers may be pleased with the job, there are also some who would swear not to work at USPS.
The job requires a lot more than people think, which can lead many to hate the job.
Below, we’ll cover a handful of cons that applicants should consider before applying.
#1: Working During Bad Weather
If you’re working as a carrier, then you’ll have to work whether it’s rain or shine.
Many US postal workers will still have to work in the rain, snow, and even on very cold or hot days.
This can be highly uncomfortable if you’re not accustomed to it.
Not everyone can work in this position, as it requires some mental fortitude to deal with bad weather days.
#2: Long Hours
Sometimes, the job requires you to work more than 40 hours per week.
Even though you will be getting additional pay, this can be irritating due to having no work-life balance.
On certain holidays, employees will be expected to work until their job is done.
This can take hours at a time, with some reporting working for as long as 12-hour shifts.
In addition, some former workers have reported working seven days straight at times.
#3: Poor Management
Management is often delegating jobs to postal workers.
The issue is that the USPS is often very understaffed.
While this can be helpful if you’re looking for a job, it’s a negative because you’ll have to do more work.
Management expects everyone to work hard, regardless if there are enough workers to get the job done.
#4: Physically Demanding
Working at USPS is a demanding job and requires that you be on your feet most of the day.
If you have any physical limitations, then this job isn’t for you.
In addition, this can cause a lot of stress on the knees and back, especially if you’re moving packages.
The long hours paired with physically demanding work isn’t something everyone can handle.
If you enjoy being physically active, then you’ll likely enjoy this position.
However, if you prefer to have breaks or be more sedentary, then it’s best to apply elsewhere.
#5: Very Repetitive
Many workers have said that while the pay is great, the job is boring.
Each day is almost exactly the same, and there isn’t much variety unless it’s the holidays.
If you’re someone who enjoys repetitive tasks or finds them soothing, then you’ll flourish working here.
Applicants looking for more active jobs that require more effort may enjoy a different job.
#6: Bad Encounters
Working in the US postal system requires that you interact with many types of people and their pets.
If you’re working at a physical location, this can mean working in a team with management and others to coordinate your jobs together.
On the other hand, carriers will be dealing with customers, families, and pets.
If you’re not good at handling a wide range of situations, then you might find being a USPS worker off-putting.
Those also afraid of pets may not do well at this job, as many carriers have reported being chased or attacked by dogs, chickens, and other animals.
#7: Experience Varies on Location
Location is going to be a big factor in how your workday goes.
If working in a rural location, your job might require a slower pace unless you are understaffed.
However, a larger metropolitan area may require you to be active throughout the day.
Depending on your location, you may or may not enjoy your job.
Work-life changes from area code, which means two workers can have very different experiences depending on the postal location.
16 Pros and Cons of Working for USPS – Summary Table
| Pros of Working for USPS | Cons of Working for USPS |
|---|---|
| Stay Active | Working During Bad Weather |
| Job Security | Long Hours |
| No Continued Education Required | Poor Management |
| Career Advancement Opportunities | Physically Demanding |
| Competitive Pay | Very Repetitive |
| Overtime | Bad Encounters |
| Flexible Schedule | Experience Varies on Location |
| Great Benefits | |
| Salary Increases |
Should You Work for USPS?
Working for USPS is often a tough decision because there are a good number of pros and cons.
As a postal worker, you’ll get good benefits and decent pay and don’t need any extra education besides a high school degree or GED.
However, the job is physically demanding, requires long hours, and isn’t for everyone.
Carefully considering the pros and cons can help you tell whether being a USPS worker is right for you and your lifestyle.
