Career employees receive competitive compensation and a premium benefits package. Non-career employees receive limited benefits until transitioning into career employee status.
In addition to a generous starting base pay and regular salary increases, depending on position, most employees may also receive overtime pay, night shift differential, and Sunday premium pay.
The Postal Service offers generous Annual (Vacation) and Sick leave – 13 days of Annual leave per year for the first 3 years, increasing to 20 days per year after 3 years of service, and to 26 days per year after 15 years of service. Also, full-time employees receive 4 hours per pay period as insurance against loss of income due to accident or illness. Annual and Sick leave are prorated based on paid hours for part-time employees.
The Postal Service observes 10 holidays each year.
The Postal Service participates in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, which provides excellent coverage and flexibility with the majority of the cost covered by the Postal Service. There are multiple plans available, including Fee-For-Service, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and High Deductible & Consumer-Driven Health Plans. Employee premium contributions are not subject to most taxes, making health insurance even more affordable.
Employees are eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program. Employees cover the full cost, but because this group insurance contributions are not subject to taxes, the coverage rates are very affordable.
Career employees may opt to participate in the Flexible Spending Accounts Program after one year of service. Most out-of-pocket health care and dependent care expenses such as daycare costs are covered with tax-free FSA contributions.
Employees may opt to enroll in the Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program, which insures for the costs of receiving long-term care (e.g., nursing home or assisted living), which typically is not covered by other resources such as health insurance or Medicare.
The Postal Service participates in the federal retirement program, which provides a defined benefit (pension), in addition to disability coverage. Your age and number of years of creditable service is used when determining eligibility.
Similar to the 401(k) retirement savings plans offered by private sector employers, the Postal Service offers the Thrift Savings Plan. Career postal employees may contribute to TSP on a tax-deferred basis and may receive matching contributions (up to 5% of pay) from the Postal Service.
Newly hired postal employees are covered under Social Security and Medicare.
The Postal Service offers coverage through the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program. The cost of Basic coverage is covered by the Postal Service, and the employee has the option to purchase additional coverage through payroll deductions.
This program offers tax-free purchase of public transportation and parking, up to IRS maximums, to reduce out-of-pocket costs for employees who choose to participate.