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What You Need to Know About Courier or Messenger
Courier or Messenger Example 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.
A Day in the 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.
- Walk, ride bicycles, drive vehicles, or use public conveyances to reach destinations to deliver messages or materials.
- Check with home offices after completed deliveries to confirm deliveries and collections and to receive instructions for other deliveries.
- Unload and sort items collected along delivery routes.
- Deliver and pick up medical records, lab specimens, and medications to and from hospitals and other medical facilities.
- Obtain signatures and payments, or arrange for recipients to make payments.
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Qualities of a Courier or Messenger
Below is a list of the skills most Couriers and Messengers say are important on the job.
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.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Types of Courier or Messenger Jobs
- Pick Up Man
- Security Messenger
- Bill Distributor
- Delivery of Shopping News
- Copy Worker
Courier or Messenger Job Outlook
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. The BLS estimates 10,100 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
Average Couriers and Messengers Salary
The salary for Couriers and Messengers ranges between about $20,390 and $44,400 a year.
Couriers and Messengers who work in Washington, Maryland, or Oregon, make the highest salaries.
How much do Couriers and Messengers make in each U.S. state?
| 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
Individuals working as a Courier or Messenger have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Courier or Messenger?
Where Couriers and Messengers Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Couriers and Messengers employed by various industries.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Courier or Messenger might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a Courier or Messenger sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.