🟢 Status: OPEN — Open Continuous | Nationwide — Post Office Retail Locations | Source: jobs.usps.com
USPS PSE Sales & Services Associate Jobs 2026 — Post Office Counter | $18.89/hr | Customer Facing Role
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is hiring Postal Support Employees (PSE) — Sales & Services/Distribution Associates at retail post office locations across the nation in 2026. This is the front-counter position of the postal service — the face customers see when they walk into a post office to mail packages, buy stamps, apply for passports, or ask questions about USPS services. As a PSE Sales & Services Associate, you are a non-career employee with a direct path to becoming a career clerk, which comes with full federal benefits, union membership, and long-term employment stability.
This role is a perfect fit for people-oriented candidates who enjoy interacting with the public in a retail environment. You will operate a point-of-sale system, process postal transactions, handle passport applications, manage lobby product displays, and answer a wide range of customer questions about mail and shipping services. No prior postal experience is needed — USPS provides full training. If you have a background in retail, customer service, or banking, this role will feel naturally familiar while offering the stability and pay of federal employment.
Job Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position Title | PSE Sales & Services/Distribution Associate |
| Agency | United States Postal Service (USPS) |
| Pay Rate | $18.89 per hour |
| Annual Salary Range | ~$39,291 – $49,000 |
| Location | Washington, DC (USPS HQ) — Positions Available Across All 50 States |
| Schedule | Flexible / Open Continuous |
| Employment Type | Non-Career (PSE) — Path to Career Clerk |
| Setting | Post Office Retail Counter |
| Source | jobs.usps.com |
| Apply Now | Click Here to Apply |
About the Role
PSE Sales & Services Associates work at the retail counter of USPS post offices — the busy storefronts that serve local communities every day. The environment is customer-facing and dynamic, with a steady flow of walk-in customers purchasing postage, shipping packages, and inquiring about postal products. You will operate a POS (point-of-sale) terminal, weigh and price mail and packages, process returns, and handle financial transactions accurately. Lobby and retail product management — including stamps, packaging supplies, and Priority Mail materials — are also part of the daily routine.
One of the most specialized duties in this role is processing U.S. passport applications. Many USPS post offices are official passport acceptance facilities, and associates trained in passport processing assist customers in completing their applications, verifying documents, and submitting materials to the State Department. This is a unique responsibility that adds professional value to the PSE Sales Associate role and distinguishes it from typical retail positions. Strong customer service skills and attention to detail are essential for success in this position.
“The PSE Sales & Services Associate is the human face of USPS — the person every customer meets first, and the one who makes the experience of the post office personal and professional.”
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Greet and assist walk-in customers at the post office retail counter with all postal service needs
- Process purchases and returns including stamps, postage, packaging materials, and Priority Mail products
- Handle U.S. passport applications — verifying documents, collecting fees, and submitting materials
- Maintain and restock lobby product displays including stamps, envelopes, and retail merchandise
- Operate a point-of-sale (POS) system to process transactions accurately and efficiently
- Answer customer questions about domestic and international mail, rates, delivery times, and USPS services
- Lift, carry, and move packages and mail containers weighing up to 70 pounds
- Stand for extended periods throughout the shift while assisting customers and managing the counter
Qualifications & Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years old (or 16 with a high school diploma) |
| Education | No degree required; high school diploma or GED preferred |
| Customer Service Experience | Preferred but not required — retail or cashier background is a plus |
| Physical Stamina | Ability to stand for extended periods and lift packages up to 70 lbs |
| Drug Test | Required prior to appointment |
| Background Check | Required — criminal history review conducted |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or citizen of American Samoa |
Salary & Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Hourly Pay | $18.89 per hour (starting rate) |
| Estimated Annual Pay | ~$39,291 – $49,000 depending on hours worked |
| Health Insurance | Available for PSEs averaging 30+ hours/week |
| Paid Leave | Annual and sick leave accrual available |
| Career Path | PSEs may convert to Career Sales & Services Clerk (full benefits + union) |
| Uniform Allowance | Provided upon conversion to career status |
How to Apply
To apply, visit jobs.usps.com and search for “PSE Sales” or “PSE Sales & Services/Distribution Associate”. Filter results by your desired location to find open positions at post offices near you. The application is completed entirely online. You will be required to take the Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA), which evaluates customer service aptitude, situational judgment, and work-related skills. Applicants who pass the assessment and clear background and drug screening are contacted for an interview and orientation. Apply directly at jobs.usps.com — do not apply through third-party job boards for the most reliable experience.
Veterans’ Preference
USPS actively supports veterans in its hiring process. If you are a veteran, disabled veteran, or qualifying surviving family member, you may be entitled to veterans’ preference points that boost your assessment ranking. Upload your DD-214 or VA letter when applying at jobs.usps.com. USPS is a leading federal employer of military veterans and offers a workplace culture that values discipline, teamwork, and service — qualities that align naturally with veterans’ experience.
About the United States Postal Service
The United States Postal Service is one of America’s most trusted institutions, delivering mail and packages to more than 160 million addresses across the country six days a week. With over 31,000 post office locations nationwide and a workforce of more than 600,000 employees, USPS is a pillar of American infrastructure. As a self-supporting government agency, USPS does not receive tax dollars for operating expenses and instead funds itself through postage and postal products. Working for USPS means joining a mission-driven organization that serves every corner of the nation. Learn more at about.usps.com/careers.
Disclaimer: FederalJobsAlert.us is an independent job information website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the United States Postal Service or any federal agency. All job details, pay rates, and requirements are sourced from publicly available information at jobs.usps.com and may be subject to change. Always verify current openings and apply directly through the official USPS careers portal.