What is a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator?
Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator Definition 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.
Life As a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator
- Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines.
- Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.
- Accept and check containers of mail or parcels from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors.
- Clear jams in sortation equipment.
- Release packages or letters to customers upon presentation of written notices or other identification.
- Inspect mail machine output for defects and determine how to eliminate causes of any defects.
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Things a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator Should Know How to Do
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
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.
Types of Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator Jobs
- Postal Clerk
- Direct Mail Coordinator
- Registered Mail Clerk
- Mailer
- Distribution Clerk
Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 95,500 jobs in the United States for Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator. 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.
Salary for a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator
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
- Financial accounting software
- Recordkeeping software
Becoming a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator
Are there Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators education requirements?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator?

Where Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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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