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

State Name Employed Couriers
California 12,860
New York 8,230
Texas 5,650
Florida 4,160
Pennsylvania 2,990
Illinois 2,580
Puerto Rico 2,550
Georgia 2,460
Wisconsin 2,300
Massachusetts 2,240
Michigan 2,160
Ohio 1,780
Tennessee 1,780
New Jersey 1,740
Louisiana 1,600
North Carolina 1,360
Washington 1,300
Virginia 1,240
Arizona 1,230
Alabama 1,230
Colorado 1,180
South Carolina 1,090
Kentucky 1,080
Minnesota 1,050
Oregon 1,020
Nevada 950
Oklahoma 930
Indiana 880
Maryland 860
Missouri 760
Nebraska 760
Iowa 660
Connecticut 610
District of Columbia 580
Kansas 540
Arkansas 480
Utah 480
New Mexico 470
Idaho 420
Hawaii 380
Rhode Island 370
Mississippi 370
Vermont 330
Delaware 310
West Virginia 260
New Hampshire 200
North Dakota 180
Alaska 160
Maine 160
South Dakota 150
Guam 130
Montana 130
Virgin Islands, U.S. 60
Wyoming 40