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Rural Carrier Associate Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Rural Carrier Associate information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$22

$62

How much do rural carrier associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for rural carrier associate in Michigan is $22.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $23.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rural carrier associate?

Rural Carrier Associates (RCAs) are non-career employees of the United States Postal Service who deliver mail and packages on rural routes. They fill in for regular rural carriers during their days off or when they are on leave, ensuring that postal services in rural areas continue without interruption. RCAs may also sort mail, collect outgoing mail, and provide customer service along their delivery routes. The position requires driving a personal or postal vehicle, handling various weather conditions, and interacting with community members. Over time, RCAs can gain experience and may have opportunities to become full-time career rural carriers.

What are some common challenges rural carrier associates face when delivering mail in rural areas?

Rural Carrier Associates often encounter challenges such as navigating unpaved or poorly marked roads, dealing with inclement weather, and managing longer delivery routes compared to urban carriers. Additionally, they may need to use their own vehicles and ensure they are properly maintained for mail delivery. Adapting to these conditions requires good organizational skills, attention to safety, and a strong sense of independence.

What is the difference between Rural Carrier Associate vs Mail Carrier?

AspectRural Carrier AssociateMail Carrier
Required CredentialsValid driver's license, background checkValid driver's license, background check
Work EnvironmentRural routes, outdoor, variable weatherUrban/suburban routes, outdoor, weather-dependent
Employer & Industry UsageUnited States Postal Service (USPS), rural deliveryUSPS, urban and suburban delivery
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Rural Carrier Associates and Mail Carriers both work for USPS and require similar credentials. The main difference lies in their work environment: Rural Carrier Associates typically deliver in rural areas with longer, less dense routes, while Mail Carriers operate in urban and suburban settings with more frequent stops. Both roles involve outdoor work and require a valid driver's license. Understanding these differences can help job seekers find the best fit for their skills and preferences.

How much money does a rural carrier associate make?

A Rural Carrier Associate typically earns an hourly wage that ranges from $16 to $20, with annual salaries around $33,000 to $42,000 depending on location, experience, and hours worked. They often work part-time or seasonal schedules and may receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

Is being a rural carrier associate worth it?

Rural Carrier Associates (RCAs) deliver mail in rural areas and are typically part-time employees with flexible schedules. The role offers steady employment, benefits after a probation period, and opportunities for advancement, but pay is generally lower than full-time postal workers and may include physical demands and outdoor work.
More about Rural Carrier Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Rural Carrier jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Rural Carrier jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Rural Carrier Associate jobs in Michigan?

For Rural Carrier Associate jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rural Carrier Associate jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Rural Carrier Associate jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Rural Carrier Associate jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Rural Carrier Associate job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Rural Carrier Associate jobs in MI?

For Rural Carrier Associate jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Rural Carrier Associate job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,416 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

RES ASSOC I (TEMP)

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


University Of Michigan rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Summary
The Gilbert S. Omenn Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan is seeking a Research Associate I Temp. This is a temporary appointment in the lab of Dr. Indika Rajapakse to perform Python and API programming for communication between instruments, robotic arm pathway development, 3D printing of needed components, and demonstrate integrated experiment routines.
Required Qualifications*
High School Diploma
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
282267
Working Title
RES ASSOC I (TEMP)
Job Title
RES ASSOC I (TEMP)
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Temporary
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Medical School
Department
MM Comp Med and Bioinformatics
Posting Begin/End Date
8/26/2026 - 9/02/2026
Career Interest
Temporary Job Opening

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About University of Michigan

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Michigan (U-M), based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is one of America's most esteemed institutions in higher education. Established in 1817, it presides in the industry of education and research, providing a range of services including undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs. Complementing this is an extensive research activity that has significantly contributed to various fields, from healthcare to engineering, humanities to sports. Upholding its mission "to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values", U-M consistently ranks among the top universities globally, a testament to its tradition of excellence in learning and research, and a deep commitment to innovation and discovery.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

1817

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