Where to Check for Post Office Job Openings

The U.S. Postal Service posts all job openings on USPS.com/careers, which is the only official place to search for positions. You can filter by location, job type, and whether the role is full-time or part-time. The site updates regularly as positions open and close, so checking back weekly gives you the best chance of catching new listings before they fill.

Your local post office itself does not post hiring notices on its own website or in the building. All recruitment goes through the national USPS careers portal. This means you cannot walk in and ask the postmaster whether they are hiring — you have to search online first to know what is available in your area.

You can also call your local post office and ask whether they have openings, but the staff there may not have current information about positions that are posted but not yet filled. The careers website is always more current than what a single location knows.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS.com/careers is the official site where all Post Office job openings appear, and it is updated as positions become available.
  • You can search by your city or ZIP code to see what roles are open at post offices near you right now.
  • Most entry-level positions like mail carrier and postal clerk require passing a written exam and a background check before you are hired.
  • Job postings stay open for a set period, usually one to two weeks, so you need to submit your information during that window.

What Types of Jobs Post Offices Hire For

The most common positions are mail carrier, postal clerk, and mail processing clerk. Mail carriers deliver mail to homes and businesses. Postal clerks work at the counter selling stamps and handling customer transactions. Mail processing clerks sort and process mail at the facility. All three are entry-level roles that do not require prior postal experience.

Post offices also hire for supervisory roles, maintenance positions, and administrative jobs, but these usually require prior USPS experience or specific skills. The careers website lists the job title, location, salary range, and what the role involves, so you can see exactly what you would be doing before you look further.

How the USPS Hiring Process Works

After you submit your information on the careers site, you will be asked to take a written exam if the position requires one. For mail carrier roles, this is the Postal Service Exam 473 (or a newer version if USPS has updated it). The exam tests reading, math, and ability to follow instructions. You take it online at a time and location USPS assigns to you.

Once you pass the exam, USPS conducts a background check, which includes a criminal history review and verification of your work history. You will also have a medical exam to make sure you can perform the physical demands of the job. If you pass all these steps, you move to the interview stage.

The whole process from process to job offer typically takes two to four months, though it varies by location and how many people are explore. Some positions move faster than others depending on how urgently the post office needs to fill them.

Checking Your process Status

After you submit your information, USPS sends you a confirmation email with a job process number. You can log back into USPS.com/careers and check your account to see where you are in the process — whether you have been invited to take the exam, whether you passed, or whether you are waiting for the next step.

If you do not hear anything after two weeks, the posting may have closed. Job openings on the USPS site stay open for a limited time, and once that window closes, USPS reviews all the applications received during that period. If you did not submit your information before the posting closed, you will need to wait for the position to be posted again.

What Disqualifies You from Hiring

USPS will not hire you if you have a felony conviction, a history of drug use shown on a background check, or if you fail the medical exam. You also cannot be hired if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The background check looks back several years, so older minor offenses may not disqualify you, but USPS will review your specific history.

If you have questions about whether something in your background might be a problem, you can contact the local post office or the USPS careers support line before you explore. Being honest about your history during the process is important — lying on the form can disqualify you even if the underlying issue would not have.

When Post Offices Hire Most Often

Post offices typically post the most jobs in late fall and early winter, when mail volume increases for the holiday season. This is when they need extra mail carriers and postal clerks to handle the surge. Spring and summer tend to have fewer openings, though positions do appear year-round as people retire or leave.

If you do not see openings in your area right now, checking back in a few weeks may show new positions. You can also set up a job alert on USPS.com/careers for your location so you get notified when new postings appear, rather than checking manually each week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a high school diploma to work at the Post Office?

Yes, USPS requires a high school diploma or GED for most positions. Some roles may accept equivalent work experience, but the diploma is the standard requirement. You will need to provide proof of your diploma when you explore.

Can I explore for a job at a post office in a different state?

Yes, you can search for openings anywhere in the country on USPS.com/careers. However, you will take the exam and interview in the location where the job is posted. If you are hired, you would need to relocate or commute to that post office.

How long does the exam take?

The Postal Service Exam 473 takes about 2.5 hours to complete. You will be given a specific date and time to show up at a testing location, usually at a post office or testing center in your area. You cannot take it at home — it must be done in person under supervision.

What is the starting pay for a mail carrier?

Starting pay varies by location and region, but mail carriers typically start between $40,000 and $45,000 per year. USPS publishes the salary range for each position on the job posting, so you can see what the role pays in your area before you explore.

Can I reapply if I did not pass the exam?

Yes, you can take the exam again, but you usually have to wait for the position to be posted again. USPS does not let you retake the same exam when ready. When the job opens again, you can explore and take the exam a second time.