The United States Postal Service (USPS) has been a bedrock institution of American society for over 245 years. Today, it remains one of the largest employers in the country, with a workforce of over 600,000 people. For many, a job at USPS represents an accessible entry point into a stable middle-class career.
But for younger job seekers, one critical question often arises: What‘s the minimum age to be eligible for USPS employment? While the answer is fairly straightforward on the surface, there‘s more than meets the eye when it comes to age requirements in the postal service. Let‘s unpack the details.
The Magic Number: 18 Years Old
In the vast majority of cases, you must be at least 18 years old to qualify for a job at USPS. This has been the standard policy for decades, aligning with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 which prohibits discrimination against workers 40 years of age or older.
There are several reasons why USPS and other employers set 18 as the minimum age. First, it ensures workers are legal adults who can be held fully accountable for their job performance and any legal contracts they enter into. Second, many USPS positions involve physically demanding work and handling sensitive mail, which necessitates a level of maturity and responsibility that comes with adulthood.
A 2020 report by the USPS Office of Inspector General found that the average age of a postal service employee was 46.9 years old, with only around 12% of the workforce under the age of 30. This reflects the tendency for USPS careers to attract workers a bit later in life compared to typical entry-level jobs in other industries.
The Exception: Qualified 16-17 Year Olds
There is one notable exception to the age 18 rule at USPS. In certain limited circumstances, the postal service will hire applicants as young as 16 years old. However, the criteria for such an exception are quite stringent.
To be considered for a USPS job at 16 or 17 years old, you must have already graduated high school or obtained an equivalent certification like a GED. Students still enrolled and attending classes are not eligible under any conditions. According to the most recent publicly available data from the National Center for Education Statistics, around 4% of 16 year olds and 26% of 17 year olds had obtained a high school diploma or equivalent as of 2019. So only a small fraction of teens meet this baseline criteria.
Furthermore, these opportunities are restricted to support roles not directly involved in mail processing or delivery. The most common positions open to qualified 16-17 year olds are custodial aides, laborers, and maintenance positions. Essentially, any job where you won‘t be handling mail directly or working closely with the public.
Even with these parameters met, USPS still only extends offers to a select number of 16-17 year old applicants based on local staffing needs. The total number of minors employed by USPS at any given time is not publicly reported. But anecdotally, it seems to be exceedingly rare, likely accounting for less than 1% of the total postal workforce based on the age distribution data noted earlier.
Other Essential Requirements Beyond Age
Meeting the minimum age is just one piece of the puzzle for landing a job at USPS. There are several other eligibility factors that applicants of all ages must satisfy:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or citizen of a U.S. territory.
- Selective Service: All males ages 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service System.
- Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is needed for all positions.
- Language: Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently is mandatory.
- Physical Fitness: Many roles have lifting, walking, or other physical requirements.
- Driving Record: A clean driving history is essential for jobs operating USPS vehicles.
- Drug Screening: All new hires must pass a drug test prior to starting.
- Background Check: Criminal history and employment records will be reviewed.
Each of these factors are equally weighted and important in the hiring process. USPS has a legal obligation to abide by federal regulations governing employment practices. Even if you‘re old enough, failing to meet any one of these other requirements will likely disqualify you from the running.
Tips for Young USPS Job Seekers
If you‘re a young adult looking to start your career at USPS, here are a few key pieces of advice to keep in mind:
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Finish High School First – Unless you‘re a bona fide teenage prodigy, it‘s best to finish your high school education before seriously pursuing USPS jobs. The opportunities for minors are extremely limited and competitive.
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Gain Relevant Experience – While you may not be able to work at USPS itself yet, look for other jobs or volunteer roles that will build your customer service, physical stamina, and problem-solving skills. Think retail, warehouses, landscaping, etc.
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Prepare for the Exam – The Postal Exam 473 is used to screen candidates for many positions. It tests your speed, accuracy, and memory. Use the wealth of online study guides and practice tests to get ready.
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Clean Up Your Record – Now is the time to fix any blemishes on your driving or criminal record that could pose hiring obstacles down the line. Avoid risky behaviors and address any past issues head-on.
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Network and Seek Mentors – Attend job fairs, join professional associations, and connect with current USPS employees to learn more about the hiring process and what it takes to succeed. See if family or friends have any connections.
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Consider Starting at the Bottom – You may have to take a lower-paying, less glamorous position to get your foot in the door. View any job as a stepping stone to build your seniority and credibility at USPS over time.
The Bottom Line
For the vast majority of job seekers, the minimum age for USPS employment is a firm 18 years old. Only in very rare cases of outstanding educational attainment and local labor shortages will USPS bend this rule for 16-17 year olds.
Even once you meet the age requirement, there are numerous other qualifications and screenings to pass before receiving a job offer. However, cleared those hurdles can be the start of a long and rewarding career path.
Ultimately, the hiring process at USPS is designed to identify candidates with the right mix of maturity, dependability, and service orientation to thrive in these crucial roles. In an era of ever-growing ecommerce and digital communication, the 300+ year old postal service remains an indispensable part of daily life for millions.
While you may need to wait a few extra years to launch your USPS career compared to other jobs, the unique benefits, stability, and opportunity for advancement make it well worth the wait for many. If you‘re an ambitious and civic-minded young person, start preparing now to put your best foot forward when the time comes.
