Potential earnings
£41,869.13
Postal workers, mail sorters and messengers collect, receive, sort and deliver mail, documents, correspondence or messages, either between or within establishments.
Main tasks
- Completes delivery forms, collects charges, and issues receipts for the collection and delivery of registered or recorded mail and other items.
- Delivers mail, parcels, correspondence and other materials to specified or agreed routes and schedules.
- Sorts mail, parcels and other incoming and outgoing material for delivery, and maintains records of material received and despatched.
- Collects and may x-ray mail from post boxes, receives parcels, and collects correspondence, documents and other material from individuals, offices or other establishments.
Source: Office for National Statistics.
Salary and earnings
Average earnings
£31,883.99
Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
Skills & knowledge
The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
What course level do I need to study?
The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.
Educational requirements: Level 1 NVQ; GCSE at grades D-G
Source: Office for National Statistics.
| Level of study | Percentage achieved |
|---|---|
| Level 0 | 12% |
| Level 1 | 12% |
| Level 2 | 37% |
| Level 3 | 21% |
| Level 4-5 (Higher Education) | 5% |
| Level 6 (Bachelors) | 12% |
| Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) | 2% |
| Level 8 (Doctorate) | 0% |
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.
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Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.
