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The differences between courier drivers and messengers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a courier driver and a messenger. Additionally, a messenger has an average salary of $34,787, which is higher than the $33,137 average annual salary of a courier driver.
The top three skills for a courier driver include patients, cleanliness and customer service. The most important skills for a messenger are customer deposits, customer service, and ATM.
| Courier Driver | Messenger | |
| Yearly salary | $33,137 | $34,787 |
| Hourly rate | $15.93 | $16.72 |
| Growth rate | 11% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 135,368 | 399 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A courier driver is responsible for delivering parcels and documents to the appropriate receiver within a specified timeframe. Courier drivers are either self-employed or hired by courier companies, depending on their preference. A courier driver must have comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry, especially those working independently, managing the proper maintenance of their vehicles, performing regular engine check, and immediately call for repair for any defects that might cause delivery delays. They should also ensure the proper handling of the packages, avoiding damages during delivery, responding to the receiver's inquiries, and processing their payments.
A messenger takes messages, packages, and other items to requested addresses. The mode of transport used to perform deliveries varies for each messenger. They are required to pick up documents and goods, deliver to predetermined locations, work within preferred practices of the industry and their employers, and ensure deliveries are punctual. This role requires someone who is familiar with traffic, routes, and all locations within a working area.
Courier drivers and messengers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Courier Driver | Messenger | |
| Average salary | $33,137 | $34,787 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $42,000 | Between $20,000 And $59,000 |
| Highest paying City | Kailua, HI | - |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | - |
| Best paying company | UPS | - |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | - |
There are a few differences between a courier driver and a messenger in terms of educational background:
| Courier Driver | Messenger | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| Most common major | Business | Criminal Justice |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between courier drivers' and messengers' demographics:
| Courier Driver | Messenger | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.6% Female, 22.4% | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 13.3% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 6.2% White, 54.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 13.3% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 6.2% White, 54.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |