Is Usps A Federal Job? + Other Commonly Asked Questions

The U.S. government is one of the largest employers in the country, beat out only by Walmart. The U.S. government employs almost 2 million people before taking into account postal workers.

Are you wondering if the USPS is a federal position? You might have heard different responses. The truth is not always straightforward.

I have done the research and come up with the answer you’re looking for!

Why isn’t USPS a Federal job?

There are many sites out there that claim USPS workers are federal employees. But I don’t believe them.

My assertion is based on an incident in recent history, where President Joe Biden declared that federal workers would need to get vaccinated or undergo weekly testing.

His executive order also required that all employers with over 100 employees would have to enforce a vaccine mandate.

He announced the first part, which confused even USPS employees. It was unclear if these employees counted under federal employment.

It’s clear to see why. Federal employees receive all of the same benefits, while federal employees work for the executive branch.

But, Biden’s administration realized that they had to make clearer statements so a spokesperson released a statement.

USPS is exempt from the Federal Executive Order requiring Federal employees to get vaccinated. USPS operates a separate statute scheme that is independent of Federal personnel actions.

USPS employees were in fact obligated by the executive order, however USPS employees are well over 100.

According to the spokesperson, the “separate legal scheme” is an indication of the USPS’s autonomy and separation from U.S. government work.

Therefore, USPS employees cannot technically be considered federal employees. But, it is clear that the difference is minimal.

Does the USPS have a good job?

Even if USPS employees aren’t technically federal employees, working for the Postal Service is generally considered a very good gig.

Federal employees have the same benefits, including generous insurance and pension plans. Fully covered life insurance is also available.

Additionally, hourly wage rates start above the minimum wage. (I’ll go more in-depth into the benefits under the heading below.)

Employment employees have enough income to support the entire family. Edward Dyer for instance, who is a father of five and has one child at college.

USPS employees get every cent of the benefit and are especially well-paid, even for postal carriers. The job itself can be physically strenuous and dangerous.

What benefits are available to employees of the USPS?

USPS employees enjoy the same benefits and are more impressive than federal employees.

These are just a few highlights from USPS.com:

Health Insurance: Most expenses covered by USPS

Vision and Dentistry: Extremely affordable Rates

FSA: This can be used to cover your out-of pocket healthcare costs and daycare expenses

Retirement: USPS Employees receive Federal retirement benefits. These include pension and disability coverage.

Social Security & Medicare

Commuter Programme

Leave: For first three year, you have 13 days off sick/vacation. After three years, it’s 20 days. You get 26 days.

Generous wages and salaries that start well above the minimum wage. Plus, time and half for holidays

Repayment of student loan debt

What’s the most rewarding job at USPS

Redditors often recommend getting into a MHA or mail handling associate position when it comes to jobs in the Post Office.

As r/User 3971 says, “Work inside, air conditioning, no irrational customers, no dogs, fewer supervisors.” But another commenter pointed out hours could be at night.

However, there are some who may like the physicality and flexibility of CCA (City Carrier Assistant), whose working hours operate during the day (more like a nine-to-five), or RCA(Rural Carrier Associate).

ToughNickel.com claims that CCAs work longer and harder than other workers, making them more lucrative.

These three posts are often available for hire if you want to join the Postal Service because of its great pay and benefits.

How Much Does the USPS Pay Their Starting Pay?

The average starting pay at USPS ranges between $18 and $21.

Since it’s only an average, there are some who start at $15-16. (This is the norm for both City Carriers or Rural Carriers in my locality).

It is twice as much as the national minimum wage, despite how low it may appear compared to the average career salary (which is currently in the $70,000 range).

What Student Loans Can USPS Employees Receive?

Although not considered federal employees by the USPS, they still receive many of the same benefits including student loan forgiveness.

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program allows the government to forgive student loans.

Employers can verify eligibility at this page.

This document outlines the requirements for having direct loans and being full-time employed.

What Is The Highest Paying Job In The Post Office?

The highest-paid job at USPS is – no surprise – that of U.S. Postmaster General, which in 2016 netted a salary of $285,000 per year.

As luck would have it, this job is second in pay to all government employees, just behind the president. (The average annual salary for the president is $400,000

However, mvorganizing.com predicts that Louis DeJoy the U.S.Postmaster General will make closer to $300,000.

For more information about USPS you can visit our USPS blog posts: USPS government agencies, USPS delivery instructions and USPS jobs.

Conclusion

While USPS employees are not technically federal employees, due to the independent status of the Postal Service as a government agency, they receive all the same benefits.

Furthermore, USPS entry-level employees can make well beyond the minimum wage. They also have the opportunity to continue their education and receive excellent healthcare.

.Is Usps A Federal Job? + Other Commonly Asked Questions