Employment of couriers and messengers is expected to grow 13 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Although many documents are now transferred digitally, the need to deliver items that cannot be sent electronically, including blueprints and passports, will require couriers and messengers. As the population continues to grow and age, couriers will also be required by medical and dental laboratories to send a growing number of medical samples and specimens.
Job opportunities are expected to be best for those who deliver sensitive items, particularly medical samples and specimens that cannot be sent electronically. Those who specialize in document delivery, however, will face limited job opportunities.
Applicants with strong customer service skills are likely to have better job opportunities.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition