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Pick up and carry messages, documents, packages, and other items between offices or departments within an establishment or to other business concerns, traveling by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, automobile, or public conveyance.
Select a State
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U.S.
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$18,890
($9.08)
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$29,330
($14.10)
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$25,100
($12.07)
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Annual figures are on top. Hourly figures are below in parentheses.
N/A = Information not available
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Little or no employment change is expected through 2018. The need to replace workers who leave the occupation will create the majority of job openings.
Little or no change is expected over the 2008-18 decade. Although individuals and businesses continue to value package delivery services, the need for document delivery services has been greatly reduced due to the widespread use of computers and the Internet. Many documents, forms, and other materials that were once hand-delivered are now transferred in digital format. Wider acceptance of digital signatures has reduced the number of legal and financial documents that need to be moved from place to place.
Nonetheless, some demand for courier and messenger services will continue to arise, especially for items that cannot be sent electronically, such as blueprints and other oversized materials, securities, and passports. Couriers will also be required by medical and dental laboratories to pick up and deliver medical specimens and other materials.
Job opportunities will arise out of the need to replace couriers and messengers who leave the occupation. Additionally, a continued need for parcel delivery, both within urban areas and between cities, will result in some jobs for couriers and messengers. The vast majority of openings are expected to be in large urban areas.
Couriers and messengers held about 122,400 jobs in 2008. About 17 percent worked in healthcare; 12 percent worked in the local messengers and local delivery industry; 12 percent were employed by couriers and express delivery services; and 9 percent worked in legal services. About 19 percent were self-employed independent contractors; they provide their own vehicles and, to a certain extent, set their own schedules. However, they are like employees in some respects, because they often contract with one company.
Overall Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience maybe helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer could benefit from experience in installing dry wall, but an inexperienced person could learn the job fairly easily.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job related course work. In some cases, you may need an associate's or bachelor's degree.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.
Examples
Drywall installers, fire inspectors, flight attendants, pharmacy technicians, retail salespersons, and bank tellers.
In these occupations you can often use your knowledge and skills to help others.
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Local employers and local offices of the State employment service can provide additional information about job opportunities. People interested in courier and messenger jobs also may contact local courier and messenger services.
Information on careers as couriers and messengers is available from:
- Messenger Courier Association of the Americas, 750 National Press Building, 529 14th St., NW, Washington, DC 20045. Internet: http://www.mcaa.com/
Sources: O*Net data version 12.0
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Department of Labor
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