The median annual wage of couriers and messengers was $24,080 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,170, and the top 10 percent earned more than $37,830.
In May 2010, median annual wages in industries employing the largest numbers of couriers and messengers were as follows:
| Hospitals | $25,730 |
| Ambulatory health care services | 25,660 |
| Credit intermediation and related activities | 23,480 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 23,380 |
| Couriers and messengers | 22,440 |
While most couriers and messengers work full time during regular business hours, evening and weekend hours are common.
Nearly 19 percent of couriers and messengers are members of a union. These workers may enjoy higher earnings, better benefits, and more job stability.
Most independent contractors do not get benefits, but they may get higher pay.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition