Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service

Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution. Use hand or mail handling machines to time stamp, open, read, sort, and route incoming mail; and address, seal, stamp, fold, stuff, and affix postage to outgoing mail or packages. Duties may also include keeping necessary records and completed forms.

Median Annual Wage: $27,890

Education: Less than high school diploma (55%); High school diploma or equivalent (37%); Some college, no degree (7%)

Projected Growth: Decline (-3% or lower)

Related Job Titles: Mail Clerk; Mail Machine Operator; Mail Sorter; Inserter Operator; Insert Operator; Mail Reader; Mailroom Supervisor

Browse Job Listings

Browse Schools

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service.

More Office and Administrative Support Careers

  • Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters.
  • Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.
  • Place incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and place identifying tags on sacks or bins.
  • Clear jams in sortation equipment.
  • Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.
  • Weigh packages or letters to determine postage needed, using weighing scales and rate charts.
  • Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.
  • Lift and unload containers of mail or parcels onto equipment for transportation to sortation stations.
  • Wrap packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines.
  • Fold letters or circulars and insert them in envelopes.
  • Remove from machines printed materials such as labeled articles, postmarked envelopes or tape, and folded sheets.
  • Add ink, fill paste reservoirs, and change machine ribbons when necessary.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service.

  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service.

Search Local Job Listings