A postmaster or mail superintendent oversees postal operations, manages staff, and ensures mail delivery runs smoothly. You can enter this role with a high school diploma and some work experience. Here is what the job involves, the skills it takes, and how to get in.
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Postmasters and mail superintendents manage the daily operations of post offices and mail facilities. You oversee staff, schedule work, handle customer service issues, and resolve conflicts between employees or with the public. You work with computers to track mail flow and manage administrative tasks. You also make decisions about how to improve efficiency and safety at your facility. The role combines leadership, problem-solving, and hands-on knowledge of postal systems and procedures.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents earn a median of $96,660 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 900 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You need a high school diploma or equivalent to start. Most postmasters and mail superintendents begin as postal workers or clerks and advance through experience and internal promotion. You will develop skills in administration, public safety, customer service, and communication on the job. Some positions may require passing a background check or security clearance. Your employer will provide training in postal operations, management practices, and the systems you need to run a facility.
Many postmasters start as postal workers and move up through experience. If you are exploring this path and want to map out the steps from entry-level to management, Pathly can map the postmaster and mail superintendent path that fits you with your school counselor or career advisor to build a plan that fits your timeline.
You do not need a license to work as a postmaster and mail superintendent, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You thrive in leadership roles where you can take charge, make decisions, and drive results. You are comfortable managing people and solving problems under pressure.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).