Essential Qualifications for Becoming a Postal Manager

July. 16,2025

Learn about the key qualifications and career pathway to become a Postal Manager within USPS. No specific college degree is required; progression is based on experience, exams, and training programs. Starting from entry-level roles, candidates can advance through proven performance and specialized USPS training. The typical salary for a Postal Manager is around $70,000. The article covers necessary requirements, career advancement steps, and training details to help aspiring postal professionals understand the process and build their career in postal management.

Essential Qualifications for Becoming a Postal Manager

Essential Qualifications for Becoming a Postal Manager

A Postal Manager within the United States Postal Service (USPS) oversees the operations of one or multiple postal facilities. Their responsibilities include supervising staff, organizing work schedules, and ensuring efficient postal operations. Beyond administrative tasks, a Postal Manager must be familiar with current technology to manage routine activities effectively. Typically, the average salary for a Postal Manager is approximately $70,000, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a Postal Manager, note that a specific college degree is usually not required.

Qualifications to become a Postal Manager
Advancement to a Postal Manager role generally involves progressing through various positions. Start by applying for entry-level roles within USPS. Basic requirements for these positions include:
  • Being a U.S. citizen.
  • Being at least 18 years old, or 16 with a high school diploma.
  • Passing medical exams, drug tests, and background checks.
  • Providing documentation of previous employment.

After applying, candidates must pass an entrance exam relevant to USPS roles. High scores lead to interviews, where successful candidates can be hired as clerks, mail processors, or letter carriers, with opportunities for advancement over time.

To qualify as a Postal Manager, candidates are required to complete USPS’s training program called the Supervisor Development Program (SDP). This program includes both classroom instruction and on-the-job training, providing in-depth knowledge about management responsibilities and technical skills needed for postal leadership. Trainees are assigned mentors who guide them through the training and future ambitions.