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All About Couriers and Messengers

Example of Courier or Messenger Job Pick up and deliver messages, documents, packages, and other items between offices or departments within an establishment or directly to other business concerns, traveling by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, automobile, or public conveyance.

Daily Life Of a Courier or Messenger

  • Deliver messages and items, such as newspapers, documents, and packages, between establishment departments, and to other establishments and private homes.
  • Deliver and pick up medical records, lab specimens, and medications to and from hospitals and other medical facilities.
  • Receive messages or materials to be delivered, and information on recipients, such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, and delivery instructions, communicated via telephone, two-way radio, or in person.
  • Load vehicles with listed goods, ensuring goods are loaded correctly and taking precautions with hazardous goods.
  • Check with home offices after completed deliveries to confirm deliveries and collections and to receive instructions for other deliveries.
  • Walk, ride bicycles, drive vehicles, or use public conveyances to reach destinations to deliver messages or materials.

Courier or Messenger Needed Skills

When polled, Couriers and Messengers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Other Courier or Messenger Job Titles

  • Message Clerk
  • Diplomatic Courier
  • Pick Up Man
  • Merchandise Deliverer
  • Deliverer

Courier or Messenger Employment Estimates

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 95,000 jobs in the United States for Courier or Messenger. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 10,900 new jobs for Courier or Messenger by 2026. There will be an estimated 10,100 positions for Courier or Messenger per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Courier or Messenger are Colorado, Utah, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in Kansas, Mississippi, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Do Couriers and Messengers Make A Lot Of Money?

The average yearly salary of a Courier or Messenger ranges between $20,390 and $44,400.

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Couriers and Messengers who work in Washington, Maryland, or Oregon, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Couriers and Messengers in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $25,540
Alaska $32,840
Arizona $30,440
Arkansas $24,990
California $34,620
Colorado $32,470
Connecticut $34,410
Delaware $30,420
District of Columbia $38,280
Florida $30,320
Georgia $28,270
Hawaii $30,680
Idaho $24,770
Illinois $29,280
Indiana $27,780
Iowa $27,730
Kansas $29,620
Kentucky $28,300
Louisiana $24,970
Maine $29,920
Maryland $34,090
Massachusetts $32,750
Michigan $28,110
Minnesota $30,530
Mississippi $26,260
Missouri $29,120
Montana $26,870
Nebraska $27,050
Nevada $27,080
New Hampshire $27,480
New Jersey $33,620
New Mexico $27,710
New York $33,620
North Carolina $28,460
North Dakota $28,680
Ohio $28,750
Oklahoma $29,290
Oregon $34,160
Pennsylvania $29,270
Rhode Island $35,010
South Carolina $25,380
South Dakota $25,380
Tennessee $33,450
Texas $27,390
Utah $28,760
Vermont $31,840
Virginia $32,490
Washington $35,720
West Virginia $25,990
Wisconsin $24,900

What Tools do Couriers and Messengers Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Couriers and Messengers may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Route mapping software

How to Become a Courier or Messenger

Learn what Courier or Messenger education requirements there are.

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Courier or Messenger?

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Couriers and Messengers Sector

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The table below shows the approximate number of Couriers and Messengers employed by various industries.

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Those thinking about becoming a Courier or Messenger might also be interested in the following careers:

Those who work as a Courier or Messenger sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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