Are you looking for a well-paying part-time job with good benefits? The U.S. Postal Service may have just what you‘re seeking. USPS is one of the largest employers in the country, with over 600,000 workers nationwide. And while many of those are full-time, the Postal Service also offers a variety of part-time positions.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll tell you everything you need to know about working part-time for USPS. From the types of jobs available to pay and benefits to the pros and cons, get all the essential facts below. By the end, you‘ll have a clear idea if a part-time post office position is right for you.
Types of Part-Time Positions at USPS
First, let‘s look at the different categories of part-time jobs at USPS:
1. Part-time regular – These are permanent positions with a set weekly schedule of less than 40 hours. Part-time regulars get paid hourly rates and earn benefits.
2. Part-time flexible – Also permanent roles but with variable hours and schedules based on the needs of the facility. They are guaranteed a minimum of 2 hours of work when called in.
3. Postal support employee (PSE) – Non-career positions that are hired for 360-day terms. PSEs perform mail processing, retail, and/or custodial work and may have fixed or flexible schedules.
There are also some part-time salaried positions available for certain professional and technical roles, but the majority fall into the above categories. The main distinction is between career (part-time regular and flexible) and non-career (PSE) positions.
Common Part-Time USPS Jobs
Now that you understand the types of part-time employment, what are some of the actual jobs you can apply for? The specific roles will vary by location and local need, but these are some of the most common part-time positions:
- Mail Processing Clerk – Sort and distribute mail at a processing facility
- City Carrier Assistant – Deliver and collect packages on an urban route
- Rural Carrier Associate – Deliver and pick up mail along a rural route
- Mail Handler Assistant – Load and unload mail from trucks, move containers
- Sales & Service/Distribution Associate – Work at the retail counter helping customers
- Custodian – Clean and maintain USPS buildings and facilities
Most entry-level part-time jobs will be assistant roles, where you support the full-time regular employees. With experience and good performance, you can work your way into a permanent position over time.
Work Hours for Part-Time USPS Employees
The number of hours you work in a part-time role at USPS depends on your position and the needs of your post office. That said, here‘s a general idea of what to expect:
Part-time regular employees have set schedules with a minimum of 2 hours per pay period and a maximum of 39 hours per week. The total weekly hours remain relatively stable.
Part-time flexible workers do not have guaranteed schedules, but their hours can‘t exceed 48 per week. One week you may work close to full-time, while the next is much lighter.
PSEs typically work between 20-40 hours per week on average. During busy periods like the holidays, overtime may be required.
Starting out, many part-timers work early morning, evening, and weekend shifts. But with tenure you gain more predictable hours. Just be prepared to have a non-traditional schedule and fluctuating hours from week to week, especially early on.
Part-Time Pay at the Post Office
Despite being part-time, most USPS jobs pay very competitively. Wages vary based on the specific position, your experience level, and geographic location. With that said, here are some average hourly rates for common part-time roles:
- Mail Processing Clerk – $18.69
- City Carrier Assistant – $17.29
- Rural Carrier Associate – $19.06
- Mail Handler Assistant – $16.55
- Sales & Service/Distribution Associate – $18.36
- Custodian – $17.19
As a government entity, USPS determines its pay rates based on set salary tables that are publicly available. There is little individual negotiation. However, you will get regular step increases in pay the longer you work there.
Based on those hourly wages, a part-time employee working 30 hours per week would earn between $25,000-$30,000 per year on average. That‘s a solid income for a part-time job.
Benefits for Part-Time Postal Workers
In addition to competitive pay, another big perk of working part-time at USPS is that you can earn good benefits. Unlike many employers, the Postal Service provides benefits to both full-time and part-time employees.
Some of the key benefits you can expect include:
Paid holidays – 10 paid holidays per year for part-time regulars and flexible employees.
Vacation time – Accrue 1 hour of paid leave for every 20 hours in pay status up to 4 hours per pay period (every 2 weeks). PSEs get 1 hour for every 20 hours worked.
Sick leave – Build up 1 hour of sick leave for every 20 hours paid. Unused days carry over each year.
Health insurance – Access to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) healthcare plans after 1 year of employment. USPS pays ~75% of premium costs.
Life insurance – Option for Federal Employees‘ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) to provide coverage in case of death.
Retirement plans – Eligible for Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which provides matching contributions from USPS similar to a 401(k).
Some of these benefits, like the retirement account and health insurance, can require working a minimum number of hours to qualify. But overall the benefits are very strong for part-time roles.
Pros and Cons of Part-Time USPS Jobs
As with any job, working part-time for the postal service has its advantages and disadvantages. Here‘s a quick rundown of some of the main pros and cons:
Pros:
- Competitive pay well above minimum wage
- Paid time off, sick days, and holiday pay
- Affordable health insurance and retirement plans
- Consistent, stable employment with a long-standing organization
- Opportunities for growth and advancement into full-time roles
- Engaging work interacting with the public and serving the community
Cons:
- Hours can be inconsistent and schedules may vary week-to-week
- Early morning, evening, and weekend shifts are common
- Work can be physically demanding, with lots of walking, lifting, and carrying
- Some roles like carrier or mail handler are outdoors in all weather
- Busy seasons like holidays require long hours and overtime
- Government bureaucracy and regulations to deal with
Overall, the pros generally outweigh the cons for most people, especially if you can handle the physical aspects and variable schedules. Just be sure to consider both sides before applying.
From Part-Time to Full-Time at USPS
One of the great things about starting out part-time at USPS is that it can often lead to full-time employment. The Postal Service likes to promote from within, so they give preference to current employees when full-time positions open up.
For PSEs, you can apply for open full-time positions after 2 years of service. Part-time regulars and flexible staff can bid on full-time roles at any time based on seniority.
Many USPS employees start as part-timers to get a foot in the door. Then once they learn the ropes and put in their time, they can move into a permanent full-time job with more hours and enhanced benefits.
Of course the transition from part-time to full-time is not guaranteed and depends on local staffing needs. But it‘s a clear path that thousands of postal workers follow each year.
Tips for Applying to Part-Time USPS Jobs
Interested in applying for a part-time position at USPS? Here are some tips to guide you through the process:
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Search for openings on the USPS careers site at www.usps.com/careers. There you can see available jobs in your area, filter by part-time, and set up alerts for new postings.
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Read the requirements carefully and make sure you meet the qualifications before applying. Most jobs require passing a postal exam, drug screening, and background check.
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Submit a complete and accurate application on the USPS site, including all requested information about your education, employment history, and skills. Tailor your resume for the specific role.
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For some positions, you may need to take an online assessment exam to gauge your suitability for the job. Examples include the 474 for mail carriers or 477 for customer service.
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If your assessment results and application meet the standards, you‘ll be invited for an in-person interview. Prepare in advance and be ready to discuss your background, work ethic, and interest in USPS.
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After a successful interview, you‘ll receive a conditional job offer pending the outcome of a drug screening, criminal background check, and medical assessment. Once you pass those, you‘ll get a final offer!
At every step, present yourself professionally and stress the core competencies USPS looks for like strong customer service, reliability, productivity, and teamwork. With persistence and preparation, you‘ll be on your way to an excellent part-time job at USPS.
The Bottom Line on Working Part-Time at USPS
Working part-time at USPS offers competitive pay, good benefits, and the stability of a government job. While the hours and physical demands can be challenging, it‘s a great opportunity to start a long-term postal career.
I hope this in-depth guide has given you all the information you need about part-time jobs at USPS. For even more details, I recommend visiting the official USPS hiring website and attending a virtual job fair to connect with local recruiters.
Have you worked part-time for USPS? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below. And if you know someone who could benefit from this post, please pass it along!
Here‘s to finding the perfect part-time position at a post office near you. Thanks for reading and best of luck in your job search!
