Source: Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Note:Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Source: 2021 Job Bank Wage Report
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook
10 year expected job openings: 1,920
Letter carriers do much of their work outside and experience different weather conditions/seasons. They must walk for most of their shift. Some letter carriers operate a postal truck – as large as a five-ton vehicle – and sometimes deal with busy traffic conditions. Letter carriers that drive vehicles still need to walk to make their deliveries. Rural positions may mean that they need to use their own vehicle to deliver and collect mail. When a letter carrier uses their own vehicle, they must meet Canada Post's vehicle requirements and insurance costs may also be covered by Canada Post. Along with handling heavy mail bags and parcels – which can weigh up to 23 kg – people in this job need to carry mail bags loaded with mail, from door to door. These bags can weigh close to 16 kg each. Letter carriers typically work Monday through Friday, though the hours can vary depending on their route. Some letter carriers work weekends. Some do “shuttle runs” between post office locations and some collect mail from mailboxes. Some health and safety challenges for letter carriers include dealing with dogs that might bite. Letter carriers are trained to protect themselves against aggressive dogs and, if requested, may carry pepper spray. Workers also have the right to refuse delivery if they feel unsafe. Letter carriers can suffer common types of injuries from slips and falls on mossy, icy or poorly maintained steps/sidewalks.
Source: 2016 Census
Letter carriers are usually required to have a high school diploma or equivalent, though a college education may be preferred. Other education, training and qualifications may include:
For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 35 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. You’ll also find the skill strength needed, letting you know how capable you must be in that skill.
Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!
Career paths
Many letter carriers start out as temporary or on-call workers, and eventually move into permanent full-time positions. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with additional training or experience. Canada Post offers training to some letter carriers so they can move up to supervisor or management positions. Corporate positions at Canada Post are in high demand and there is a great deal of competition for these positions.
Additional resources