How much do couriers and messengers earn per hour in the US: What is the average salary?

A courier job typically involves transporting items, documents, or packages from one location to another. Couriers may work for courier or delivery companies, or they may be self-employed. They are not postal workers per se.

The hourly wage for couriers and messengers in the US can vary depending on several factors such as location, experience, and type of employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean average annual wage was $34,270 in 2021 while the median average $33,050.

This means an hourly wage of $16.48 and $15.89 respectively.

What is the breakdown of salaries?

It is important to note that this is only a median wage and some couriers and messengers can earn more or less than this amount depending on their individual circumstances. Factors such as working for a larger company, having more experience or skills, or working in high-demand locations can all impact earnings.

For example, couriers working for the Postal Service workers for the federal government earn $30.35 an hour, far higher than the average. Other areas with high pay are telecommunications and merchant wholesalers.

Another factor to consider is the state the worker is operating in. Areas with poor payments are Nebraska and North Carolina. Both of these states have average hourly payments $5 below the national average.