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How to Become a Postal Service Mail Carriers in Illinois

Postal Service Mail Carriers in Illinois earn a median salary of $58,390/year, which is 2% above the national average. Illinois has a state income tax of ~4.9%. After taxes and rent, a postal service mail carriers takes home approximately $2,427/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$58K
Median salary in Illinois
+2%
vs. national average
4.9%
State income tax
15,240
Employed in Illinois

What a postal service mail carriers can afford in Illinois

Gross annual salary$58,390
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.9% state tax)$3,839/mo
Median 2BR rent (Illinois)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home36.8% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$58,390/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,427/mo

Becoming a postal service mail carriers in Illinois

1

Meet education requirements

Postal Service Mail Carriers positions in Illinois typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Illinois. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many postal service mail carriers positions in Illinois require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Illinois licensure or certification

Illinois may require specific licensing or professional certification for postal service mail carrierss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Illinois Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Illinois

Illinois employs 15,240 postal service mail carriers. The highest concentrations are in Bloomington and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin.

Postal Service Mail Carriers salary by metro area in Illinois

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Bloomington$61K$29.16/hr170
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin$59K$28.37/hr10,650
Peoria$58K$28.07/hr440
Champaign-Urbana$58K$28.07/hr240
Rockford$57K$27.64/hr410
Springfield$56K$27.08/hr310
Decatur$54K$26.09/hr140
Kankakee$53K$25.62/hr120

Postal Service Mail Carriers salary range in Illinois

10th percentile (entry)
$41K
25th percentile
$46K
Median (50th)
$58K
75th percentile
$75K
90th percentile (senior)
$75K
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Full postal service mail carriers salary breakdown in Illinois
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After federal + 4.9% state tax
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Postal Service Mail Carriers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a postal service mail carriers make in Illinois?

The median postal service mail carriers salary in Illinois is $58,390 per year ($28.07/hr). This is 2% above the national median of $57,490. Salaries range from $41,250 to $75,300.

What are the requirements to become a postal service mail carriers in Illinois?

Postal Service Mail Carriers positions in Illinois typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Illinois may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Illinois licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a postal service mail carriers afford to live in Illinois?

At the median salary of $58,390, a postal service mail carriers in Illinois would take home approximately $3,839/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 36.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for postal service mail carriers in Illinois?

The highest paying metro areas for postal service mail carriers in Illinois are Bloomington ($60,650), Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ($59,010), Peoria ($58,390). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Illinois have state income tax for postal service mail carriers?

Yes, Illinois has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.9%. On a $58,390 salary, this means roughly $2,890/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.