O*NET-SOC 43-5021.00

Couriers and Messengers

Pick up and deliver messages, documents, packages, and other items between offices or departments within an establishment or directly to other business concerns, traveling by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, automobile, or public conveyance.

Preparation

ItemValue
Preparation zoneZone 2 – Some preparation needed
What O*NET says the zone requiresSome previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed
Broad occupation in O*NETTrue (Yes)
Skills listed for this occupation6
Abilities listed for this occupation6
Tasks listed for this occupation5
Interest scores given for this occupation6

Skills

The 6 skills with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

SkillO*NET elementImportanceDate
Active Listening2.A.1.b3.2507/2016
Speaking2.A.1.d3.2507/2016
Time Management2.B.5.a3.2507/2016
Critical Thinking2.A.2.a3.007/2016
Reading Comprehension2.A.1.a3.007/2016
Service Orientation2.B.1.f3.007/2016

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Abilities

The 6 abilities with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

AbilityO*NET elementImportanceDate
Oral Comprehension1.A.1.a.13.6207/2016
Oral Expression1.A.1.a.33.6207/2016
Far Vision1.A.4.a.23.2507/2016
Multilimb Coordination1.A.2.b.23.2507/2016
Near Vision1.A.4.a.13.2507/2016
Speech Recognition1.A.4.b.43.2507/2016

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Tasks

The tasks O*NET records for this occupation, with the type, respondent count and date each record carries.

TaskTypeIncumbents respondingDate
Deliver and pick up medical records, lab specimens, and medications to and from hospitals and other medical facilities.Core6107/2016
Obtain signatures and payments, or arrange for recipients to make payments.Core6307/2016
Record information, such as items received and delivered and recipients' responses to messages.Core6207/2016
Receive messages or materials to be delivered, and information on recipients, such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, and delivery instructions, communicated via telephone, two-way radio, or in person.Core6207/2016
Load vehicles with listed goods, ensuring goods are loaded correctly and taking precautions with hazardous goods.Core6207/2016

Work interests

The interest scores O*NET gives this occupation, on the six interest types.

InterestScoreDate
Conventional5.4611/2023
Realistic4.2511/2023
Social3.0611/2023
Enterprising2.7411/2023
Investigative1.1711/2023
Artistic1.011/2023

More occupations in preparation zone 2

Source: O*NET 29.1 Database (Occupation Data, Job Zones, Skills, Abilities, Task Statements, Interests), U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Data fetched 2026-10-31. See about and sources.