What Couriers and Messengers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Couriers and Messengers this way: "Pick up and deliver messages, documents, packages, and other items between offices or departments within an establishment or directly to other business concerns, traveling by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, automobile, or public conveyance."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Walk, ride bicycles, drive vehicles, or use public conveyances to reach destinations to deliver messages or materials"; "Load vehicles with listed goods, ensuring goods are loaded correctly and taking precautions with hazardous goods"; "Unload and sort items collected along delivery routes"; "Receive messages or materials to be delivered, and information on recipients, such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, and delivery instructions, communicated via telephone, two-way radio, or in person"; "Plan and follow the most efficient routes for delivering goods".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Couriers and Messengers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 228,900 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 247,100 in 2035, an increase of 18,200 jobs (+8%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 23,800 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 10.4% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 69.9% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $39,200, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Couriers and Messengers earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $40,270 in New York to $41,114 in New Jersey, a gap of $844 (1.02 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $39,200 and 0 average at or below it.
New York employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 8,780, which is 50.3% of the 17,470 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 8,690.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($41,114) and New York ($40,270) lead the ranking, while New York ($40,270) and New Jersey ($41,114) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Couriers and Messengers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (43-5000) include Postal Service Mail Carriers, Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks, Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators and Cargo and Freight Agents.
Frequently asked questions about Couriers and Messengers
How much do Couriers and Messengers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $39,200. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $40,270 to $41,114.
Which state pays Couriers and Messengers the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $41,114. New York is next at $40,270.
Is Couriers and Messengers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 8% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 23,800 openings a year.
What education do Couriers and Messengers need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.