USPS Pay Raise & Back Pay 2025: NALC Pay Chart Updates and Key Implementation Dates

As of July 2025, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and the United States Postal Service (USPS) have finalised implementation dates for wage increases and retroactive back pay agreed to under the 2021-2024 collective bargaining agreement. With new USPS pay scales now in effect, City Carrier Assistants (CCAs) and career letter carriers will begin seeing adjusted pay in upcoming paychecks.

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The changes affect both active carriers and eligible employees who recently separated from the Postal Service. Here’s what you need to know about back pay eligibility, the new pay tables, and how these updates impact USPS workers in 2025.

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Wage Increases for CCAs: What’s New in 2025

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The Postal Service has announced the following CCA wage increases:

• Effective April 20, 2024: Additional general wage increase for CCAs.
  
  
• Effective June 8, 2024: Adjustments based on pay table changes.
  
  
• Effective July 20, 2024: New COLA applied to CCA hourly rates.
  
  

These increases will be reflected in paychecks starting August 10, 2025, which covers Pay Period 17 (July 20–August 2).

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CCA Pay Table Changes:

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Note: These are approximate averages and may vary by location and hiring date.

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NALC Back Pay 2025: Who’s Eligible and When Will It Be Paid?

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The USPS has confirmed that eligible employees will receive retroactive back pay for wage increases tied to:

• April 2024 wage adjustments
  
  
• June 2024 pay table restructuring
  
  
• COLAs implemented through July 2024
  
  

According to NALC, back pay is expected to be issued in late September 2025, following full pay period reconciliations and adjustments.

Eligible employees include:

All active CCAs and career city carriers employed during the applicable wage periods. Former employees who separated after April 2024 may also receive back pay and should contact local HR units for details.

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Download the Updated NALC Pay Chart 2025

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The NALC pay chart for 2025 provides a detailed breakdown of wage rates across grades and steps, including locality adjustments.

Click here to download the 2025 NALC Pay Chart (PDF)

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This official chart reflects the changes effective June 14, 2025, and includes base salary and technician differentials.

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USPS Pay Scale 2025 for Career Employees

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USPS has also updated its career pay charts, reflecting annual COLAs and scheduled raises.

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These changes will be incorporated into Pay Period 17 paychecks and may vary slightly by location, seniority, and job title.

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NALC Pay Chart and Workforce Stats

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According to USPS data, as of October 2024:

• The TSP held $947 billion in investments.
  
  
• $68 billion was invested in Roth status.
  
  
• Nearly 7.2 million USPS accounts are active, with 2.7 million holding Roth investments.
  
  
• Among the 4.1 million FERS participants, the average Roth balance is approximately $32,000.
  
  

This underscores the growing role of Roth contributions in long-term retirement planning for federal postal employees.

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Why the Delay in Implementation?

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Wage adjustments and back pay issuance were delayed due to:

• Finalising arbitration decisions and collective bargaining resolutions.
  
  
• System updates and accurate payroll audits to ensure fair and complete distributions.
  
  

NALC and USPS prioritised accuracy to avoid errors, especially for separated employees and part-time carriers.

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Comparison with APWU Pay Scale 2025

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Though this announcement centres on NALC, American Postal Workers Union (APWU) members also received wage increases under their contract. Pay scales vary by union agreement and may follow a separate implementation timeline.

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These rates help APWU members benchmark their earnings alongside NALC counterparts.

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What USPS Workers Should Do Now:

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1. Check ePayroll Portals for updates to current hourly rates and back pay statements.

2. Contact Your Union Rep if you believe you’re missing payments.

3. Track Pay Periods: Stay aligned with Pay Period 17 forward for wage adjustments.

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Conclusion: A Win for Letter Carriers, With More to Come

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The 2025 USPS pay raise marks a significant step forward for NALC members, especially CCAs awaiting long-overdue wage adjustments. While delays in implementation were frustrating, the confirmed payment dates and clear increases reflect the strength of organised labour and the stability of USPS collective bargaining.

With back pay and new hourly rates arriving soon, USPS employees can look forward to a more accurate and rewarding compensation structure.

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FAQ

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How much do USPS carriers make in 2025?

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Career carriers will receive a 1.3% pay raise in November 2025, and CCAs will receive a $0.50/hour raise effective June 14, 2025.

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Will the USPS offer early retirement in 2025?

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Eligibility for optional or VER retirement, with incentive, will be based exclusively on an April 30, 2025, effective date.

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Will the USPS health benefits change in 2025?

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Yes, USPS health benefits will change significantly in 2025 due to the implementation of the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program.

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What is the new contract for USPS 2025?

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The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) have reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year collective bargaining contract, covering employees nationwide.

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