City Carrier Assistant

What is a CCA?

A City Carrier Assistant (CCA) is a non-career mail carrier position with USPS. CCAs deliver mail on city routes, either on foot or by vehicle (LLV or ProMaster vans). It's one of the most common entry points into the Postal Service and the path most city letter carriers take to become career employees.

Pay and Benefits

• Starting pay: ~$20.73/hour (verify current rate on USPS website, rates are updated periodically)
• Overtime: Time and a half after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. Many CCAs work significant overtime, especially during peak season. Some CCAs report earning $50-60K+ annually with overtime.
• Benefits: As a non-career employee, you get limited benefits initially. You're eligible for health insurance after a qualifying period, and you accrue annual leave. Full benefits come after conversion to career.

Schedule

This is the part most people aren't prepared for. As a CCA, you do not have a set schedule. You're essentially on call and can be asked to work any day, including weekends and holidays. Your schedule can change daily.

• Expect to work 6 days a week, sometimes 7 during peak season
• Morning start times vary — often 6:00-7:30 AM, sometimes earlier
• Shifts can run 8-12 hours depending on route and volume
• Sundays are common for Amazon package delivery (this is often where new hires start)
• Holiday schedule: You will work most holidays. Christmas season (Nov-Dec) is especially demanding.

Vehicle

You do NOT need your own vehicle. USPS provides the vehicle — typically a Long Life Vehicle (LLV) or ProMaster van. You will need to complete vehicle training and demonstrate you can safely operate these vehicles. Some routes are walking routes (park and loop) where you park the vehicle and deliver on foot.

How to Apply

1. Go to jobs.usps.com and create an account
2. Search for "City Carrier Assistant" or "CCA" in your area (search by zip code — try surrounding zip codes too for more openings)
3. Complete the application — you'll need to list your work history for the past 7 years and account for any gaps
4. Take the Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA) — exam code 474. This is a multiple-choice test covering work scenarios and situational judgment. Passing score is 70+.
5. Wait for a conditional job offer (this can take weeks to months)
6. Pass background check and drug test (marijuana is NOT allowed — USPS is a federal employer)
7. Complete orientation (3-5 days, paid, classroom training)
8. Complete CCA Academy (additional training specific to carrier duties)
9. Shadow experienced carriers and start delivering

Assessment Exam (VEA 474)

The Virtual Entry Assessment for CCA (exam 474) is administered online. It's not a knowledge test — it's situational judgment and personality-based. But don't take it lightly. Your score determines your ranking in the candidate pool. Higher scores = faster offers.

• Multiple choice format
• Covers work scenarios and how you'd handle situations
• Passing score: 70+
• Can retake after a waiting period if you don't pass
• Take it seriously and in a quiet environment

Conversion to Career

CCAs typically convert to career (regular) status after approximately 2 years, though this varies significantly by office. Smaller offices often have faster conversion times. Once you convert, you get a set route, full benefits, retirement, and job security.

Probation

Your first 90 days are probation. Do not call out during probation unless it's a genuine emergency. You can be let go without cause during this period. Management watches attendance very closely during probation.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• No personal vehicle needed
• Good overtime pay potential ($50-60K+ possible)
• Path to career federal employment with full benefits
• Active job — lots of walking, good exercise
• Union protection after probation (NALC)
• Relatively fast conversion to career (~2 years)

Cons

• No set schedule — on call, unpredictable hours
• Work in all weather conditions (rain, snow, extreme heat)
• Physically demanding, especially walking routes
• Long hours during peak season
• Limited benefits until career conversion
• Can be stressful — time pressure to complete routes

Tips from Experience

• Apply to multiple locations simultaneously to increase your chances
• Smaller offices often mean faster conversion and less overtime pressure
• Invest in good shoes — you'll walk 10-15+ miles on some routes
• Don't quit your current job until you have a firm start date
• Join the NALC (National Association of Letter Carriers) — the union is your biggest ally after probation