August 17, 2007

What This Job Pays: courier

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Pay: The average pay of a courier in the Seattle area is $15.48 an hour, with most making from $12.95 to $17.74 an hour, according to PayScale, a Seattle company that tracks compensation and benefits.

Demand: Employment of couriers is expected to decline, reflecting the more widespread use of electronic information-handling technologies such as e-mail and fax. However, couriers still will be needed to transport materials that cannot be sent electronically – such as blueprints and other oversized materials, securities, passports, medical samples and medical specimens.

Need to know: Couriers usually learn on the job, training with an experienced worker for a short time. Those who work as independent contractors for a messenger or delivery service may be required to have a valid driver's license, a registered and inspected vehicle, a good driving record and insurance coverage. Many couriers who are employees, rather than independent contractors, also are required to provide and maintain their own vehicle. Although some companies have spare bicycles or mopeds their riders may rent for a short period, almost all two-wheeled couriers own their bicycle, moped or motorcycle. A good knowledge of the geographic area in which they travel and a good sense of direction are also important. Couriers, especially those who work for courier services, have limited advancement opportunities; a few move into the office to learn dispatching or take service requests by phone.

PayScale, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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