Couriers and Messengers
Couriers and messengers pick up and deliver messages, documents, packages, and other items between offices, departments, or businesses. They travel by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, automobile, or public transportation. This work happens in urban and suburban areas where businesses need quick, reliable document and package distribution.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against couriers and messengers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical day involves receiving delivery assignments, planning efficient routes, and traveling to pickup and drop-off locations. Couriers may spend hours on foot or driving, managing multiple stops, obtaining signatures, and tracking deliveries. They handle various items ranging from urgent documents to packages, often working within set geographic territories and meeting time-sensitive deadlines.
Who this work suits
Holland code CRS. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're suited to this work if you like following procedures and completing tasks reliably—that conventional interest matters. You also need practical, hands-on skills and comfort navigating routes and handling logistics. If you're organized, dependable, and enjoy work that keeps you moving with clear objectives, this role fits well.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Lead Nuclear Materials Courier (MBF) · National Nuclear Security Administration · Oak Ridge, Tennessee · $95871–$124638
- Lead Nuclear Materials Courier (SRF) · National Nuclear Security Administration · Oak Ridge, Tennessee · $103730–$134854
- MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR (COURIER) · Commander, Navy Installations Command · Guam, Guam · $20.32–$23.7
- Nuclear Materials Courier · National Nuclear Security Administration · Multiple Locations · $66232–$104724
- Messenger Driver #424 · Senate · Washington, District of Columbia · $60000–$105000
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $37,510 | $46,520 | $48,250 | 530 |
| Washington | $41,460 | $46,500 | $51,480 | 1,190 |
| Vermont | $39,900 | $45,600 | $46,140 | 50 |
| District of Columbia | $41,190 | $45,210 | $49,030 | 120 |
| Oregon | $38,130 | $45,170 | $49,500 | 850 |
| Colorado | $39,280 | $45,140 | $49,930 | 640 |
| California | $39,420 | $44,970 | $48,480 | 7,240 |
| Minnesota | $39,070 | $44,860 | $47,930 | 440 |
| Utah | $41,030 | $42,840 | $42,880 | 850 |
| Massachusetts | $38,540 | $42,380 | $47,520 | 1,560 |
| Alaska | $37,160 | $41,720 | $45,690 | 160 |
| Maine | $38,560 | $41,710 | $47,980 | 40 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against couriers and messengers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 43-5021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.