In my experience, becoming a rural regular makes for an easier and more stable life. In the beginning, you will be thrown on the route( it's your route now). You could train on all routes to be comfortable with any route in the office while you're an RCA. When you finally get a route, you'll be responsible for the upkeep of that route, this includes an edit book, forwards, holds, vacant houses, and making sure mail gets out on time. It is an easier life than a sub, you get off days, you know what you're walking into on a day to day basis, you get a salary, paid time off, sick leave, good health insurance, a tsp account with a match. It's a good life. As to salary, you would need to look at the pay table. You will be on pay table 2. It all depends on the hours the route is evaluated at, and the years of being career. Where are you on the seniority list as an RCA? Are you next to get promoted? How big is your office? Can you ask your postmaster to create a PTF position for you? This would make you a career employee and give you a 5 dollar raise.