The job market for couriers in the United States

There are currently an estimated 95,000 couriers in the United States. The courier job market is expected to grow by 11.5% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are couriers?

CareerExplorer rates couriers with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 15,300 couriers. That number is based on 10,900 additional couriers, and the retirement of 4,400 existing couriers.

Are couriers in demand?

Demand for couriers is declining slightly, reflecting the widespread use of electronic information handling technologies. E-mail, instant messaging and collaboration systems, and the ability to scan and store documents digitally reduce the need to have couriers deliver documents. The growing acceptance of online signatures, even on financial and legal forms, may further reduce the need for traditional couriers. *On the other hand, parcels; medical and dental specimens and samples; passports, securities, blueprints, and other business documents must be delivered in person, often for verification and/or legal purposes. Invariably, some applicants to this occupation seek short-term or part-time employment. This will likely sustain some openings in the field; however, not enough to counter the losses incurred by electronic couriering.

What’s the supply of couriers?

The courier industry is concentrated in California, New York, Texas

Courier job market by state