How to become a courier or messenger
Official title: Couriers and messengers
Also called: Courier, Messenger, Bank messenger, Messenger-clerk, Office messenger, Mail service courier, Town messenger driver, Courier service driver, Motorized mail courier, Runner - courier service, Copy runner - courier service, Mail courier - courier service
Couriers and messengers pick up and deliver letters, parcels, packages, messages and other items within and between establishments. They are employed by courier service companies and other establishments throughout the public and private sectors.
Main tasks
- Pick up messages, letters, envelopes, parcels, airline tickets, legal documents, packages, bonds, cheques, securities and other items from customers, and hand-deliver them to addresses within an establishment or in other establishments by walking, cycling or driving within prescribed time periods
- Collect payment for items delivered
- Keep record of items received and delivered using delivery information acquisition devices
How to become one
Secondary school education may be required. Eligibility for bonding may be required. Ability to navigate streets and follow directions is usually required. Physical fitness is required for some occupations in this unit group.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $44,850 a year The middle half earn $39,000 to $58,500.
- About 20,100 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 23,100 are projected by 2033. (+14.9%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a courier or messenger?
Secondary school education may be required. Eligibility for bonding may be required. Ability to navigate streets and follow directions is usually required. Physical fitness is required for some occupations in this unit group.
How much does a courier or messenger earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $44,850 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $39,000 to $58,500.
Is a courier or messenger a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 15% by 2033, from about 20,100 to about 23,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a courier or messenger?
Usually not. Only 15% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03