Aptly
Careers · Management

Postmasters and Mail Superintendents

Postmasters and mail superintendents oversee the operations of U.S. post offices or coordinate postal workers' activities. They handle administrative tasks, budgeting, staffing, and service delivery to ensure mail processing and distribution run smoothly. These supervisors work in post office locations ranging from small rural facilities to large urban centers.

$96,660median pay, U.S., per year
$90,650–$102,960middle half earn
14Kemployed in the U.S.
High school diplomatypical education · 13% hold a bachelor’s or higher
HighAI exposure · AI tools can speed up many tasks. Skills in using them will matter, and some roles may change.
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against postmasters and mail superintendents and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

A day in the work

A typical week involves reviewing mail volume reports, scheduling staff shifts, and addressing operational issues. Postmasters meet with employees about performance and training, handle customer service problems, and ensure compliance with postal regulations. They monitor equipment maintenance, manage inventory, and may work some evening or weekend hours during peak mail periods or when covering absences.

Who this work suits

Enterprising
83Conventional
78Social
39Realistic
19Investigative
5Artistic
3

Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You thrive in roles that combine planning, organization, and leadership. If you prefer following established procedures while directing others and solving practical day-to-day problems, this career uses your strengths well.

What it takes

Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.

Skills that matter most

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationTime ManagementManagement of Personnel ResourcesCritical Thinking

Knowledge areas

Administration and ManagementPublic Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguageProduction and ProcessingCustomer and Personal ServiceEducation and Training

Pay by state

Certifications people in this field hold

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

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against postmasters and mail superintendents and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 11-9131.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.