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Courier, Driver, Package Handler
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Messengers and couriers have overlapping duties. Messengers typically move documents from one location to another over short distances. Couriers do this also, in addition to small parcels, often over farther distances. Messengers are usually same day, while couriers may also involve multiday transportation.
Government messengers and couriers pick up and deliver mail on scheduled routes. They also:
Messengers employed in large businesses have duties similar to those in government. They may operate postage meters, envelope sealers, or simple duplicating machines. They may oversee a stockroom. Bank messengers collect and deliver cheques, securities, mail, and other items.
Couriers work for or are contracted by delivery businesses providing letter, package, and freight pickup and delivery services on short notice or prescheduled runs. They generally operate vehicles, ranging from small cars and vans to five-ton trucks. They may need to complete paperwork detailing their activities. Some messengers in congested urban areas walk or use bicycles in the downtown core or during peak seasons.
In general, messengers and couriers use radio dispatch or cellular communication systems to keep in touch with dispatchers. They may be required to lift heavy packages weighing up to 32 kg (70 lbs) unassisted. They use equipment to move heavier items. This is most often an outdoor job. Couriers should expect to work in all kinds of weather.
Most office messengers work regular office hours. However, some commercial companies require messengers to work shifts, including early mornings or late evenings. Couriers who work on a contract basis sometimes work 12-hour days.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Couriers and messengers
2023 OaSIS: 74102.00
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
Messengers and couriers need:
Couriers must be able to read maps and locate addresses efficiently. They should enjoy variety and working with little direction from others.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 18 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 25, 2021 and Jun 15, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Work under pressure | 14 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Deliver and pick up messages, parcels, and other items by hand | 14 |
| Attention to detail | 12 |
| Work Setting: Courier company | 12 |
| Construction Specialization: Dependability | 11 |
| Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 11 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 11 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 11 |
| Tasks: Follow directions and read map | 11 |
| Computer Systems: Valid driver's licence | 10 |
There are no standard minimum education requirements in this occupation. However, employers may require applicants to have a high school diploma and be computer literate.
Messengers and couriers who operate vehicles must have an appropriate, valid driver’s licence. Employers require a minimum period of driving experience and a clear driving record.
Couriers must have no criminal record (often they must be “bondable” as they may be required to enter bonded warehouses). They should have a good knowledge of the city in which they wish to work. Those hired on a contract basis must own a dependable vehicle and may be required to pay for insurance and cargo bond licensing.
Depending on the industry, training related to handling or transporting dangerous goods may be required.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Messengers and couriers work for large businesses, governments, and private courier companies. Couriers must be acceptable to an insurance company as law-abiding, responsible persons (bondable).
Couriers may be employees or self-employed contract workers. Where couriers work on a contract basis, the company may provide communication equipment, uniforms, and documents. Other courier companies provide vehicles and pay an hourly wage. In some organizations, employees are represented by a union.
Couriers may start out doing general delivery from a call board. They may progress to more regular or dedicated routes when they have demonstrated that they are responsible and reliable. Without further education, opportunities to advance may be limited.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Couriers, messengers and door-to-door distributors
2016 NOC: 1513
79.1% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.00 | $24.43 | $21.15 | $21.97 |
| Overall | $16.00 | $27.77 | $23.30 | $24.18 |
| Top | $17.00 | $28.02 | $23.79 | $24.56 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $37,859 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $41,199 |
Updated Mar 23, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
