What is a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator?
Job Description & Duties 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.
A Day in the Life of a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator
- Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters.
- Answer inquiries regarding shipping or mailing policies.
- Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.
- Place incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and place identifying tags on sacks or bins.
- Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.
- Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.
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Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator Required Skills
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Mailing Clerk
- Trust Mail Clerk
- Direct Mail Clerk
- Mail List Processor
- Office Copy Selector
Is There Job Demand for Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators?
There were about 95,500 jobs for Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator. The BLS estimates 9,400 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator are Utah, Nevada, and Alaska. Watch out if you plan on working in Colorado, Wyoming, or West Virginia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator Make?
The salary for Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators ranges between about $20,510 and $46,760 a year.
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.
How much do Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $29,900 |
| Alaska | $41,210 |
| Arizona | $29,900 |
| Arkansas | $29,120 |
| California | $34,030 |
| Colorado | $33,590 |
| Connecticut | $34,360 |
| Delaware | $31,970 |
| District of Columbia | $47,050 |
| Florida | $28,830 |
| Georgia | $28,980 |
| Hawaii | $37,080 |
| Idaho | $31,440 |
| Illinois | $29,610 |
| Indiana | $31,850 |
| Iowa | $30,130 |
| Kansas | $28,870 |
| Kentucky | $30,140 |
| Louisiana | $27,910 |
| Maine | $30,780 |
| Maryland | $34,130 |
| Massachusetts | $37,140 |
| Michigan | $32,860 |
| Minnesota | $32,460 |
| Mississippi | $25,600 |
| Missouri | $31,520 |
| Montana | $27,280 |
| Nebraska | $30,830 |
| Nevada | $31,520 |
| New Hampshire | $34,260 |
| New Jersey | $33,930 |
| New Mexico | $32,080 |
| New York | $36,150 |
| North Carolina | $29,530 |
| North Dakota | $30,110 |
| Ohio | $31,570 |
| Oklahoma | $28,150 |
| Oregon | $33,210 |
| Pennsylvania | $31,500 |
| Rhode Island | $37,100 |
| South Carolina | $29,950 |
| South Dakota | $27,250 |
| Tennessee | $28,790 |
| Texas | $30,370 |
| Utah | $30,500 |
| Vermont | $35,160 |
| Virginia | $30,620 |
| Washington | $36,260 |
| West Virginia | $27,760 |
| Wisconsin | $31,760 |
| Wyoming | $25,430 |
What Tools & Technology do Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Recordkeeping software
- Financial accounting software
How do I Become a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator?
What education is needed to be a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators employed by various industries.
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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