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Lower estimated automation risk
Why it fits
Transfers shipment tracking, customer updates, documents, routing, carrier coordination, deadlines, and exceptions.
Why it fits
Directly reuses local routes, punctual deliveries, safe driving, package handling, customer contact, and delivery records.
Why it fits
Applies route knowledge, timing, driver communication, service issues, logs, prioritization, and schedule changes.
Occupation snapshot
What does this snowflake show?
What's this?
We rate jobs using four factors. These are:
- Chance of being automated
- Job growth
- Wages
- Volume of available positions
These are some key things to think about when job hunting.
Risk & user votes
Calculated automation risk
High Risk (61-80%): This occupation shows a significant risk of end-to-end replacement by automation. Many core parts of the role may be structured, repeatable, software-driven, or physically predictable enough for AI, machines, or robotic systems to take over. If you work in this area, it may be worth exploring safer related careers or moving towards more human-centred responsibilities.
More information on what this score is, and how it is calculated is available here.
Human strengths important in this job
These are human abilities and work contexts that are important in this occupation. They may help explain why parts of the role are harder to replace end-to-end, but they are not the only inputs into the automation score.
What users think
Based on 78 votes
Our visitors have voted that it's probable this occupation will be automated. This assessment is further supported by the calculated automation risk level, which estimates 70% chance of automation.
What do you think the risk of automation is?
What is the likelihood that Couriers and Messengers will be replaced by robots or artificial intelligence within the next 20 years?
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Pay & outlook
Wages
In 2024, the median annual wage for Couriers and Messengers was $38,340 ($18 per hour).
The median annual wage for Couriers and Messengers was 22.5% lower than the national median annual wage, which stood at $49,500.
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Wages over time
Growth
The number of 'Couriers and Messengers' job openings is expected to rise 8.2% by 2034
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Total employment, and estimated job openings
Updated projections are due 09-2025.
Volume
As of 2024 there were 71,920 people employed as 'Couriers and Messengers' within the United States.
This represents around < 0.001% of the employed workforce across the country
Put another way, around 1 in 2 thousand people are employed as 'Couriers and Messengers'.
People also viewed
Job description
Pick up and deliver messages, documents, packages, and other items between offices or departments within an establishment or directly to other business concerns, traveling by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, automobile, or public conveyance.
O*NET-SOC code: 43-5021.00
What people are saying (1)
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