Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators
SOC Code: 43-5053Also known as:
Assorter, Automation Clerk, Computer Forwarding System Markup Clerk (CFS Markup Clerk), Dead Mail Checker, Distribution Clerk
Median Annual Salary
$56,530
-8.4% growth (2024-2034)
8K
Openings/Year
106K
Current Jobs
What Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators Do
Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution for the United States Postal Service (USPS). Examine, sort, and route mail. Load, operate, and occasionally adjust and repair mail processing, sorting, and canceling machinery. Keep records of shipments, pouches, and sacks, and perform other duties related to mail handling within the postal service. Includes postal service mail sorters and processors employed by USPS contractors.
💰 Salary
$56,530
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-8.4%
Decline
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
8K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
106,400
Projected Employment (2034)
97,500
Related Careers
Postal service clerks
$61,630 •
-3.5% growth
Shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks
$43,190 •
-7.7% growth
Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service
$38,150 •
-6.6% growth
Office machine operators, except computer
$39,020 •
-15.2% growth
Stockers and order fillers
$37,090 •
+8.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Coordination
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Clear jams in sorting equipment.
- Operate various types of equipment, such as computer scanning equipment, addressographs, mimeographs, optical character readers, and bar-code sorters.
- Sort odd-sized mail by hand, sort mail that other workers have been unable to sort, and segregate items requiring special handling.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators make?
The median annual salary for postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators is $56,530.
What education do postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators need?
Most postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators positions require a no formal educational credential.
Is becoming postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators a good career choice?
Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators is projected to see -8.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 7,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators?
Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators may also be known as: Assorter, Automation Clerk, Computer Forwarding System Markup Clerk (CFS Markup Clerk), Dead Mail Checker, Distribution Clerk, Distribution Handler, Distributor, Equipment Operator, File Conversion Operator, Flat Sorter Operator, Flat Sorter Processor, Flat Sorting Machine Clerk (FSM Clerk), General Expeditor, Letter Sorting Machine Operator (LSM Operator), Mail Distribution Clerk, Mail Distribution Scheme Examiner, Mail Distributor, Mail Examiner, Mail Forwarding System Markup Clerk, Mail Handler.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.