Couriers, Messengers, and Door-to-door Distributors
(NOC 1513)
in All Business, Finance, and AdministrationCouriers, messengers and door-to-door distributors pick up and deliver letters, parcels, packages, newspapers, flyers and other items within and between organizations. They work for courier service companies and throughout the private and public sectors.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline slightly over the next few years, which may affect the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Couriers, Messengers, and Door-to-door Distributors may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 45% of Couriers, Messengers, and Door-to-door Distributors who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $37,436. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$19.64
Median$29.79
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,599
Minimum$15,690
Median$56,447
MaximumCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$27.85
Median$38.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,754
Minimum$36,515
Median$70,271
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Couriers, messengers and door-to-door distributors pick up and deliver letters, parcels, packages, newspapers, flyers and other items within and between organizations. They work for courier service companies and throughout the private and public sectors.
Job duties
Couriers, messengers and door-to-door distributors:
- Pick up messages, letters, envelopes, parcels, airline tickets, legal documents, packages, bonds, cheques, securities and other items from customers, and hand-deliver those to addresses within an organization or in other organizations by walking or cycling within set time periods.
- Collect payment for items delivered.
- Keep record of items received and delivered using delivery information acquisition devices.
- Deliver newspapers, flyers, handbills, telephone directories and similar items to residences and businesses.
Sample job titles
- courier
- delivery person - courier service
- door-to-door distributor
- flyer distributor
- mail courier - courier service
- messenger-clerk
- newspaper carrier and vendor
- newspaper deliverer
- office messenger
- runner - courier service
Skills
You must be organized, responsible, and reliable. Your work must be accurate.
Job requirements
- High school education may be required.
- Eligibility for bonding may be required.
Other considerations
Ability to navigate streets and follow directions is usually required. Physical fitness is required for some jobs in this group. There is some movement into other delivery jobs like delivery drivers. There may be movement to clerical roles within the company. Movement to supervisor positions may be possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Cape Breton
Southern
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Transportation and warehousing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Retail trade
Public administration
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
15-24
35-44
65+
25-34
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
High school
$17,587 median annual incomeLess than high school
$10,942 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$14,865 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$24,180 median annual incomeBachelor
$33,098 median annual incomeCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
College Diploma
$36,304 median annual incomeHigh school
$32,903 median annual incomeBachelor
$41,755 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$34,807 median annual incomeLess than high school
$23,174 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.