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Is Usps A Federal Job? + Other Commonly Asked Questions
Walmart is the second largest employer in America, with the U.S. government being the number one. The U.S. government has over 2,000,000 employees, even before you include postal workers.
Is the USPS an official federal job? There might be conflicting answers, as the truth isn’t always simple.
Is USPS A Federal Job In 2022?
The employees of the United States Postal Service do not technically count as federal employees. USPS functions as an independent agency that is self-governing and does not receive taxpayer funds for its operation. Employees receive federal benefits, but ultimately their employer is not the U.S. government.
You may be wondering what that means. You might be wondering if this agency is worth your time, what federal benefits you get, or who earns the most at USPS. Let’s continue reading as I cover every detail.
Why isn’t USPS considered a federal job?
There are many websites that tell you USPS employees can be classified as federal workers. I disagree.
In my statement, I refer to a recent incident wherein President Joe Biden stated that all federal employees should be vaccinated.
The executive order required all employers employing more than 100 people to implement a vaccination mandate.
The initial part of his announcement threw even USPS employees themselves into a state of confusion, no one was really sure if they counted as federal employees.
It’s easy to see why – they receive all the same benefits as federal employees and work for an agency under the executive branch (the same one as the president).
However, the Biden administration realized they needed to clarify, so later that day a spokesperson put out a statement:
USPS does not have to be included in an executive order mandating vaccination for Federal employees. The USPS is a distinct statutory organization that has been independent from federal personnel actions such as this.
According to the spokesperson, the “separate legal scheme” is an indication of the USPS’s autonomy and separation from U.S. government work.
Thus, USPS employees clearly are not technically considered federal employees, though the differentiation is obviously minute.
What USPS Benefits are Available for Employees?
Employees of the USPS receive comparable benefits to federal workers, which is quite impressive.
These are just a few highlights from USPS.com:
What Is The Best Job At USPS?
Redditors recommend that you apply for a MHA (mail handling assistant) job when looking for entry-level positions at 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.
Some people might enjoy CCA (City Carrier Assistant), whose work hours are more like a 9-5, or RCA (Rural Carrier Associate) for their physicality.
ToughNickel.com says CCAs are more profitable, but they also work harder and last longer.
What is the Starting Pay at USPS?
USPS pays an average of $18 to $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).
However low that may seem compared to some of the career salaries (the average is in the $70,000 range), it is still double the current national minimum wage.
Do USPS Employees Get Student Loan Forgiveness?
Although not considered federal employees by the USPS, they still receive many of the same benefits including student loan forgiveness.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program covers student loan forgiveness.
You can find out if you are eligible for this benefit by visiting the page.
The requirements include income-driven repayment plans, receiving Direct Loans, being a full time employee, as well as being an employee.
What Are The Top Paying Jobs in The Post Office
It’s no surprise that the U.S. postmaster general is the most highly-paid position at USPS. In 2016, his salary was $285,000 per annum.
However, as of June 2020, mvorganizing.com guesses that the current U.S. Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy, makes closer to $300,000 per year.
For more information about USPS you can visit our USPS blog posts: USPS government agencies, USPS delivery instructions and USPS jobs.
Although USPS employees technically aren’t federal employees they can still enjoy the full benefits provided by the Postal Service.
Additionally, entry-level USPS workers can earn well over the national minimum wage and enjoy excellent healthcare as well as generous time off.
.Is Usps A Federal Job? + Other Commonly Asked Questions