Postmasters and Mail Superintendents
O*NET 11-9131.00 · SOC 11-9131
Postmaster is a risky career choice. Median pay is $97k a year with -0.3% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 900 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Oversee daily mail sorting and delivery route assignments
- →Evaluate carrier performance and address delivery errors promptly
- →Manage post office budget and approve supply requisitions
- →Ensure compliance with USPS regulations and safety standards
- →Resolve customer complaints about lost or delayed mail
Education & How to Get In
Postmaster roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
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Work Environment
Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Postmaster involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Postmaster?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Postmaster Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Postmasters and Mail Superintendents is projected to decline 0.3% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·53% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·38% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Postmaster make?
The median Postmaster earns $97k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Postmaster jobs?
Our model puts Postmaster at 54 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 53% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 38% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Postmaster a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 0.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 900 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Postmaster?
Most Postmaster roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Postmaster?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Postmaster career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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