USPS Seasonal Jobs in 2024: Duties, Pay, Time Frames + More

The United States Postal Service (USPS) predicts they‘ll deliver over 15 billion pieces of mail and 200 million packages per day during the 2023 holiday season, according to USPS data.

To put that massive influx of holiday mail and packages in perspective, that‘s nearly double USPS‘ daily average the rest of the year.

With volumes spiking so high, USPS hires over 50,000 extra workers to help process, transport, and deliver mail during their peak season of Thanksgiving through early January.

In this detailed guide, I‘ll provide insider insight into landing one of these coveted seasonal jobs.

Why USPS Needs So Many Extra Workers

Thanks to the rise of ecommerce and carriers like Amazon, holiday package volumes increased over 50% from 2013 to 2021. Americans are shipping more gifts and buying more online than ever before.

USPS total mail and package volumes over key holidays:

To keep up with nearly double their normal workload, USPS needs to go on a huge hiring spree leading up to the madness.

Available Positions: Duties and Pay Rates

Here are some of the most in-demand seasonal jobs at USPS and what you can expect:

Mail Carriers

Duties: Deliver and collect mail on foot or by vehicle along designated routes

Pay: $19/hour + overtime

Mail Handlers

Duties: Load, unload, and move mail rapidly and efficiently using postal equipment

Pay: $16/hour + overtime

Holiday Clerks

Duties: Perform clerical duties like retail customer service, sorting mail, sales, etc.

Pay: $17/hour + overtime

Drivers

Duties: Drive trucks with large loads of mail and packages between USPS facilities, airports, and rail yards

Pay: $22/hour + overtime

Pay rates vary based on your location and any qualifying exams you pass. The above rates are approximate national averages.

Hours and Schedules Vary Widely

As a fair warning, the hours and schedule associated with postal seasonal work can vary widely. Here‘s what you can expect:

• Extended hours are common (10 to 12-hour days)
• 30-60 hours per week typically
• Must work weekends and holidays (closed only Christmas)
• Shifts often start very early (as postal trucks need to leave at dawn)
• Possible overnight travel for drivers

The ability to adapt and flex with changing schedules is key. It‘s not a typical 9-5 job.

Seasonal Work Time Frame

Most postal seasonal employees work a 60-90 day period spanning Thanksgiving through early January. Though some positions start in October or run into February.

You can express interest in extending your stint or joining permanently, but that likelihood depends heavily on your job performance and local staffing needs.

Approximately 4-6% of seasonal workers do successfully transition to permanent USPS careers each year.

Tips for Standing Out

Competition can be stiff for USPS seasonal openings in some areas. Here are some tips that can help your application stand out:

• Highlight relevant experience – warehouse, shipping, retail, driving, etc.
• Emphasize availability and schedule flexibility
• Express enthusiasm and work ethic
• Apply early – don‘t wait for new openings to post
• Follow proper application steps – fully read instructions

If hired, show up on time, ready to work hard. Ask about opportunities to develop skills between tasks. With strong reviews and operations needs, you may be asked to stick around.

I hope this guide gives you a better idea of what to expect from USPS seasonal work. The hours are long but the pay fairly good. Just be ready for the workload!

Let me know if any other questions come up.