Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service

Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution. 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.

How to read this profile

BLS projects U.S. employment for Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service to decrease by -7.2% between 2024 and 2034, from 57,800 to 53,600 jobs. Its estimate of 4,700 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($39,280), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.

Base employment (2024)

57,800

Projected employment (2034)

53,600

Projected change (2024–2034)

-7%

Annual openings (projected average)

4,700

Pay & Preparation
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$39,280

High school diploma or equivalent

None

Short-term on-the-job training

Essential Skills

Reading Comprehension (3/5) • Speaking (3/5) • Time Management (3/5) • Critical Thinking (3/5) • Monitoring (3/5) • Writing (2.88/5)

O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.

BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.

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