Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service

SOC Code: 43-9051
Also known as:
Addressing Machine Operator, Addressograph Operator, Advertising Inserter, Canceling Machine Operator, Dead Mail Checker
Median Annual Salary
$38,150
-6.6% growth (2024-2034)
7K
Openings/Year
67K
Current Jobs

What Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service Do

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.

💰 Salary

$38,150
Median annual wage (2024)

📈 Job Growth

-6.6%
Decline

🎓 Education

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement

🚀 Annual Openings

7K
Projected average per year

📚 On-the-Job Training

Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period

Employment Projections (2024-2034)

Current Employment (2024)

67,400

Projected Employment (2034)

62,900

Related Careers

Couriers and messengers

$38,340 • +8.2% growth
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Postal service clerks

$61,630 • -3.5% growth
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Postal service mail carriers

$57,490 • -3.5% growth
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Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators

$56,530 • -8.4% growth
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Shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks

$43,190 • -7.7% growth
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Top Skills Required

Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Time Management

Daily Tasks & Responsibilities

  • Wrap packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines.
  • Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.
  • Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.
  • Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.
  • Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters.
  • Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.
  • Accept and check containers of mail or parcels from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors.
  • Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines.

Technology & Tools

Adobe Acrobat Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Windows Microsoft Word

📚 Entry-Level Education

High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement

🎯 Recommended Education

High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level

College Rankings

College rankings for this career path are being calculated. Check back soon!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service make?
The median annual salary for mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service is $38,150.
What education do mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service need?
Most mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming a mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service a good career choice?
Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service is projected to see -6.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034, which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 6,900 job openings expected annually, there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service?
Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service may also be known as: Addressing Machine Operator, Addressograph Operator, Advertising Inserter, Canceling Machine Operator, Dead Mail Checker, Direct Mail Clerk, Direct Mail Coordinator, Distribution Clerk, Envelope Sealer Operator, Express Clerk, Folding Machine Operator, Hand Inserter Operator, Inkjet Operator, Insert Operator, Inserter Operator, Inserting Machine Operator, Mail Associate, Mail Caller, Mail Censor, Mail Clerk. These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.