Couriers and Messengers Salary in New York (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Couriers and Messengers in New York, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
New York Median
$38,740
per year
Hourly Rate
$18.63
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-1% vs US median
US median $39,200
State Rank
#28 of 51
7,320 employed here

How much do Couriers and Messengers make in New York?

Couriers and Messengers in New York take home a median of $38,740 annually — roughly $18.63 an hour — which runs 1% below the national median of $39,200.

Within New York, entry-level pay starts around $35,190 while the top 10% make $56,840 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $36,740 and $46,950 a year.

Couriers and Messengers salary range in New York

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$35,190$16.92
25th percentile (early career)$36,740$17.66
50th percentile (median)$38,740$18.63
75th percentile (experienced)$46,950$22.57
90th percentile (top earners)$56,840$27.33

How New York compares

New York ranks 28th out of 51 states and territories for Couriers and Messengers pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Nevada$46,520
2Washington$46,500
3Vermont$45,600
4District of Columbia$45,210
5Oregon$45,170

Working as Couriers and Messengers in New York

Nationally, about 69,000 people work as Couriers and Messengers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare New York pay ($38,740) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Couriers and Messengers make in New York?
The median Couriers and Messengers salary in New York is $38,740 per year, or about $18.63 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $35,190 at the entry level to $56,840 for the top 10% of earners.
How does New York pay compare to the national average?
New York pays Couriers and Messengers about 1% less than the national median of $39,200. New York ranks 28th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is New York a good state for Couriers and Messengers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $38,740 a year. About 7,320 Couriers and Messengers are employed in New York. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in New York?
The highest-paying occupations in New York include Cardiologist ($492,040), Anesthesiologist ($445,660), Radiologist ($441,580), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Couriers and Messengers salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.