1

Rural Carrier Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We create more efficient ways for shippers and carriers to transport goods across North America. As an Associate Specialist, Carrier Procurement at RXO, you will source, negotiate, and secure ...

Job Title: Associate for Storage and Organization Team Join a dynamic team responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of a global product storage strategy. Collaborate with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Rural Carrier information

See salary details

$8

$25

$71

How much do rural carrier jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for rural carrier in the United States is $25.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Rural Carrier vs Mail Carrier?

AspectRural CarrierMail Carrier
Required CredentialsValid driver's license, USPS employmentValid driver's license, USPS employment
Work EnvironmentRural areas, longer routes, outdoor workUrban/suburban areas, shorter routes, outdoor work
Employer & Industry UsageUnited States Postal Service, rural deliveryUnited States Postal Service, city delivery

Rural Carrier and Mail Carrier roles both involve delivering mail for USPS, but Rural Carriers typically serve rural areas with longer routes and outdoor work, while Mail Carriers operate in urban or suburban neighborhoods with shorter routes. Both positions require similar credentials and are part of USPS's delivery services, but their work environments and route types differ significantly.

What are some common challenges rural carriers face while delivering mail, and how can they overcome them?

Rural carriers often encounter challenges such as navigating remote or poorly marked routes, dealing with inclement weather, and managing a high volume of packages in addition to regular mail. To overcome these obstacles, carriers rely on strong organizational skills, local area knowledge, and proper vehicle maintenance. Building positive relationships with customers and staying adaptable to route changes also help ensure efficient and reliable service in rural communities.

How much money does a rural postal carrier make?

A rural postal carrier typically earns an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and union agreements. They often work full-time with benefits and may receive additional compensation for overtime or weekend deliveries.

How do I become a rural carrier?

To become a rural carrier, applicants typically need to meet age and residency requirements, pass a background check, and complete a postal service application. Candidates often undergo a written exam and a driving test, and must be able to lift packages and work outdoors in various weather conditions.

What disqualifies you from being a mail carrier?

Disqualifications for a rural carrier position typically include a criminal background involving serious offenses, a poor driving record, or inability to pass a background check and drug screening. Candidates must also have a valid driver's license, good physical health, and the ability to lift and carry mail and packages regularly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Rural Carrier, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rural Carrier, you need a valid driver's license, good driving record, physical stamina, and attention to detail, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Proficiency with mail sorting systems, handheld scanners, and route navigation tools is typically required. Strong customer service, time management, and problem-solving skills help carriers excel in independently managing their routes and interactions. These skills ensure timely, accurate mail delivery and positive community relationships in rural areas.

What are Rural Carriers?

Rural Carriers are employees of the United States Postal Service (USPS) responsible for delivering mail and packages to homes and businesses in rural and suburban areas. They typically use their own vehicles to cover routes that can include long distances and less densely populated regions. Rural Carriers also collect outgoing mail, sell postal products, and provide other postal services as needed along their assigned routes. Their work is essential for maintaining communication and commerce in rural communities. The position requires reliability, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently.

Is being a rural carrier a good job?

Rural carriers deliver mail along designated routes, often working outdoors in various weather conditions. The job offers a stable income, benefits, and requires good physical stamina and customer service skills. It typically involves a full-time schedule with opportunities for overtime and career advancement.
More about Rural Carrier jobs
What cities are hiring for Rural Carrier jobs? Cities with the most Rural Carrier job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Rural Carrier jobs? The most popular types of Rural Carrier jobs are:
What states have the most Rural Carrier jobs? States with the most job openings for Rural Carrier jobs include:
Infographic showing various Rural Carrier job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,254 per year, or $25.6 per hour.
Associate Specialist, Carrier Sales

Associate Specialist, Carrier Sales

RXO

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


RXO rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 75 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

267th of 358 rated logistics


Job description

Accelerate your career at RXO
RXO is a leading provider of transportation solutions. With cutting-edge technology at the center, we're revolutionizing the industry with our massive network and commitment to finding solutions for every challenge. We create more efficient ways for shippers and carriers to transport goods across North America.
As an Associate Specialist, Carrier Procurement at RXO, you will source, negotiate, and secure carriers to move available freight in a timely and cost-effective manner.
What your day-to-day will look like:
  • Cultivate strong core carrier relationships while negotiating and securing carriers to move freight
  • Maintain continuous communication with carriers and customers to ensure a high-quality freight movement process
  • Ensure all parties are informed of route changes, delays, freight concerns or other issues as necessary
  • Schedule pickup and delivery appointment times; use discretion and insight when considering all factors affecting timeframe, including weather, traffic, miles, service rules, etc.
  • Follow established procedures and protocols regarding HVS and HRC loads to ensure the integrity of the shipment and the RXO brand
  • Accurately maintain and update information in the company's operating systems
  • Conduct research in available databases for potential leads; make cold calls to prospects
  • Track back-end billing and invoicing to ensure that carrier charges are accurate

At a minimum, you'll need:
  • 1 year of relevant experience

It'd be great if you also have:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent related work or military experience
  • 1 year of sales or customer service experience
  • The ability to exercise judgment and discretion while functioning independently within authorized limits

Does this sound like you? Check out what else RXO has to offer.
Why Join Us:
Our Benefits
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
  • 401(k) retirement plan with up to 5% company match
  • Pre-tax accounts to help streamline eligible expenses
  • Company-paid disability and life insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Career and Leadership Development Programs
  • Paid time off, company holidays, and volunteer days

Our Culture
Our values are the key to our unique culture and our ability to deliver for everyone we serve.
We do great things when we are inclusive and work together. To perform with excellence, we learn from one another, value diverse perspectives, operate safely and build strong relationships.
The Next Step
Ready to join our team? We'd love to hear from you. Fill out an application now and join our talent community to learn about future opportunities. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to take and pass a pre-employment drug test. The above statements are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills for this job classification. Review RXO's candidate privacy statement here and RXO's Privacy Notice to California Job Applicants here.

What RXO employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom