There are currently an estimated 247,200 couriers in the United States. The courier job market is expected to grow by 8.2% between 2024 and 2034.

How employable are couriers?

CareerExplorer rates couriers with a C employability rating, meaning this career should provide moderate employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 20,400 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 New York, California, Florida

Courier job market by state

State Name Employed Couriers
New York 7,320
California 7,240
Florida 4,910
Texas 4,710
North Carolina 3,350
Pennsylvania 3,330
Wisconsin 2,560
Georgia 2,100
New Jersey 2,100
Virginia 2,010
Ohio 1,710
Massachusetts 1,560
Michigan 1,500
South Carolina 1,380
Illinois 1,340
Oklahoma 1,220
Washington 1,190
Missouri 1,060
Louisiana 1,030
Indiana 990
Oregon 850
Utah 850
Arizona 820
Maryland 770
Kentucky 750
Alabama 720
Connecticut 650
Colorado 640
Mississippi 590
Kansas 580
Iowa 580
Nevada 530
Nebraska 470
Minnesota 440
Idaho 410
New Mexico 400
Arkansas 300
Hawaii 270
West Virginia 240
New Hampshire 190
Delaware 170
Alaska 160
Rhode Island 160
District of Columbia 120
South Dakota 80
Wyoming 70
Montana 60
Vermont 50
North Dakota 40
Maine 40