What does a rural carrier associate do at the post office?
Ava Robinson
Updated on February 17, 2026
RCAs are responsible for the safe and efficient delivery and collection of the U.S. Mail™, working part time when regular carriers have scheduled days off or take vacation days. RCAs also sell stamps, supplies, and money orders.
Simply so, are rural carrier associates full time?
Rural Carrier is a fulltime career position that comes with the famous complete Postal benefits package. Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) is a non-career long-term relief job that can work directly in to a career position.
Also, what does a carrier assistant do for the post office? A Carrier Assistant, or City Mail Carrier Assistant, is responsible for delivering mail and receiving mail from residents and businesses. Their duties include traveling by foot, bike or postal vehicle, organizing mail by address and delivering parcels and envelopes to the correct addresses.
Beside above, how much does a rural carrier associate make?
Rural Carrier Associate Salary
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $37,000 | $3,083 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,500 | $3,041 |
| Average | $36,075 | $3,006 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,000 | $3,000 |
What is the difference between a rural carrier associate and a city carrier assistant?
An ARC only delivers Amazon packages on Sundays and minor holidays. An RCA does this, but also delivers mail and can lead into a full-time Rural Carrier position as a Regular. Rural carriers were in more remote places. Assistant rural carriers were there to assist with large routes.
Related Question Answers
Is it better to be an RCA or CCA?
Generally speaking, CCAs make a lot more money than their RCA counterparts, simply because they work a lot more hours.Do rural carriers wear uniforms?
Attire. Rural carriers wear civilian clothes, not uniforms, while they deliver the mail. A minimal dress code is enforced, requiring cleanliness and a manner of dress that reflects a positive image of the Postal Service.How many hours a day does a RCA work?
-- Step 4 ( R-96 ) -- "Prevents" manglement from scheduling an RCA for more than 12 hours of evaluated work a day ( although the RCA may take more than 12 hours to complete the assignment(s)). -- ELM Section 432.32 -- in part: employees may not be required to work more than 12 hours in a one service day.Do rural carrier associates get benefits?
Rural Carriers all begin their career as Rural Carrier Associates (RCA). Once you become a Regular Rural Carrier, then you will begin receiving health benefits, annual, sick leave and can contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan. Rural Carriers are not paid an hourly wage.Is rural mail carrier a good job?
It's one of the best jobs in the post office. Very little oversight and short days. The city carriers even sing a song about them. It's laughable, most of the rural carriers at our office work 6 hours all summer long.How do rural mail carriers get paid?
The base rate of pay for these rural carriers equals the base annual rate of a 40 hour evaluated route plus overtime at one and one-half times the base hourly rate for all assigned hours (equivalent miles) in excess of 2080 hours (2184 miles) a year.Do rural carriers get overtime?
Regular rural carriers are paid FLSA overtime under two circumstances: a. Hours worked in excess of 12 hours in a day. If a carrier works more than 12 hours in a day, the amount over 12 is entered in the Daily Overtime block on PS Form 1314.Do RCA get raises?
Do rural carriers get raises? The rural letter carriers will receive a 1.3% pay raise retroactively and three additional increases over the life of the agreement. They will also receive cost-of-living adjustments on top of those wage increases.How much do RCA make a year?
Rural carrier associates in the United States make an average salary of $77,631 per year or $37.32 per hour. People on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $55,000 a year, while the top 10% makes $109,000. As most things go, location can be critical.Is USPS CCA a good job?
USPS is a great place to work, with job security, career advancement opportunities, and benefits. CCA hourly wages start at $18.01 per hour with benefits including health benefits, annual leave, and a path to becoming a Career City Carrier. Applicants must be available to work weekends and holidays.How much do carrier assistants make?
While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $36,867 and as low as $31,459, the majority of City Carrier Assistant salaries currently range between $32,934 (25th percentile) to $35,391 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $35,391 annually in California.How does a CCA become a regular carrier?
When the Postal Service hires new city letter carrier career employees, CCA employees within the installation will be converted to full-time regular career status to fill such vacancies based on their relative standing.What is on the mail carrier exam?
This exam is required to become a postal carrier, mail handler, sorter machine operator and mail processor. The USPS exam tests your aptitude for performing tasks such as completing forms, checking addresses, coding, memory, speed, and accuracy.How much does a city carrier assistant make a year?
City Carrier Assistant Salary| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $36,000 | $3,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,000 | $3,000 |
| Average | $34,813 | $2,901 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,500 | $2,791 |
How much does a CCA make at the post office?
How much does a USPS CCA at US Postal Service make? The typical US Postal Service USPS CCA salary is $18 per hour. USPS CCA salaries at US Postal Service can range from $10 - $29 per hour.Is a CCA a non career employee?
have existed within the Postal Service since 1970, but city car- rier assistants (CCA) are the first non- career employees with a direct path to career status. Together, CCAs and career carriers who began as CCAs now make up 43 percent of the city carrier workforce.Do rural mail carriers use their own car?
Generally, RCAs are required to use their own vehicles for mail delivery, and they receive an equipment allowance in addition to regular pay. Some offices may provide a Postal Service vehicle. Excellent Driving Skills Required. RCAs are professional drivers.What grade is a rural carrier associate?
| Rate Schedule Code | Salary Schedule | Range |
|---|---|---|
| R | Mileage | Miles 6-140 |
| R | Substitute Rural Carrier | 6-Day: Hours 12-48 5½-Day: Hours 41-46 5-Day: Hours 40-48 |
| B | Rural Auxiliary | Grade 5 |
| B | Rural Carrier Associate | blank |
