How Much Does A Postman Earn?

Find out how much postmen earn in the UK, qualifications needed, pros and cons, and top employers in the postal delivery industry.

How Much Does a Postman Earn? Salary, Training & Career Guide (UK)

Postmen and postwomen are responsible for delivering mail and parcels to homes and businesses. It’s a physically active job that offers good job security, structured hours, and the satisfaction of working outdoors. While the pay varies depending on location and employer, it’s a steady and accessible career for those who enjoy independence and routine.

Here’s a full breakdown of how much postmen earn in the UK, how to become one, job responsibilities, career progression, and top postal employers.

Job Description: What Does a Postman Do?

Postmen deliver letters, parcels, and important documents across residential and commercial routes. They often walk or cycle, or may drive vans for larger deliveries.

Responsibilities:

  • Sorting mail at the delivery office before setting out

  • Delivering letters, parcels and registered items

  • Collecting mail from post boxes or businesses

  • Using handheld tracking devices for parcels

  • Reporting delivery issues or unsafe conditions

  • Interacting politely with the public

  • Following health and safety and security procedures

How Hard Is It to Become a Postman?

It’s relatively easy to enter the profession. No formal qualifications are needed. However, you’ll need to pass security checks, handle physical work, and be comfortable working in all weather.

Applications are competitive in urban areas due to job security and benefits.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

  • Reliability and punctuality

  • Physical fitness – walking or cycling long distances

  • Good time management

  • Comfort working outdoors in all weather

  • Friendly and polite demeanour

  • Ability to follow routes and schedules

  • Honesty and security awareness

Do You Need Qualifications?

No academic qualifications are required. However, you will need:

Requirements:

  • Full UK driving licence (for driving roles)

  • Right to work in the UK

  • Pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

  • Basic maths and reading skills

  • Good spoken English

  • On-the-job training is provided in sorting, delivery, safety, and customer service

Career Levels and Specialisation

Postal Delivery Person (Walker) - Foot delivery across local routes

Cycle Courier - Urban routes by bike

Post Van Driver - Vehicle deliveries for wider/mixed routes

Collections Driver - Picks up mail from businesses/postboxes

Sorting Office Operative - Prepares mail for delivery

Team Leader / Supervisor - Oversees route teams and distribution

Operations Manager / Depot Manager - Oversees large branches and regional logistics

What Experience Do You Need?

  • None required to start

  • Experience in customer service, driving, or warehouse work is helpful

  • On-the-job training is standard

  • Supervisory or logistics experience is useful for progression

Benefits of Being a Postman

  • Job security, especially with Royal Mail

  • Stable income with shift premiums and overtime

  • Good pension scheme

  • Regular exercise while working

  • Early shifts = afternoons free

  • Sense of routine and independence

  • Community interaction – regular customers

Drawbacks and Negatives

  • Early starts, sometimes 5 or 6 AM

  • Work in all weather – rain, snow, heat

  • Heavy bags and lots of walking

  • Repetitive routes may become monotonous

  • Shift pattern changes and tight deadlines

  • Limited progression without management or logistics training

Postman Salary Levels in the UK (2024)

New Starter / Trainee - £20,000 – £24,000

Experienced Postman - £25,000 – £28,000

Van Driver / Team Leader - £30,000 – £34,000

Depot Supervisor / Ops Mgr- £35,000 – £42,000+

Tax Example (on £27,000):

  • Income Tax: ~£2,632

  • National Insurance: ~£2,049

  • Take-home pay: ~£22,319/year or £429/week

Overtime, Sunday shifts, and Christmas bonuses can significantly increase earnings.

What Factors Affect Salary?

  • Location – London weighting adds ~£4,000/year

  • Shift type – early, late, and Sunday premiums

  • Experience and reliability

  • Role type – van driver, collector, or senior roles earn more

  • Overtime and seasonal hours

What’s the Future for Postmen?

While digital communication reduces letters, parcel demand is rising due to online shopping. The role is evolving:

Trends:

  • More parcel-heavy routes than letters

  • Use of tracking devices and digital signatures

  • Electric vans and eco-delivery vehicles

  • Hybrid mail/parcel delivery teams

  • Increased demand for reliable, human-facing roles in last-mile delivery

Postman roles remain relevant and in demand—especially with the human touch of doorstep service.

Best Companies to Work For in the UK

Royal Mail - Largest and most stable postal employer

Parcelforce Worldwide - Part of Royal Mail, focused on parcels

Evri (formerly Hermes) - Gig-style courier work

DPD / DHL / Yodel - Courier and van delivery jobs

Amazon Logistics - Independent delivery driver contracts

Local councils or NHS courier teams - Public sector stability

Independent mailrooms (banks, legal firms) - Internal post roles

Final Thought

Being a postman is a reliable and accessible career for those who enjoy being outdoors, working independently, and interacting with the public. While it’s physically demanding and weather-dependent, it offers good pay, strong benefits, and a sense of local connection—especially with Royal Mail and major employers.