What You Need to Know About Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator
Example of Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator Job 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.
Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator Responsibilities
- Start machines that automatically feed plates, stencils, or tapes through mechanisms, and observe machine operations to detect any malfunctions.
- Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines.
- Place incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and place identifying tags on sacks or bins.
- Adjust guides, rollers, loose card inserters, weighing machines, and tying arms, using rules and hand tools.
- Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.
- Operate computer-controlled keyboards or voice recognition equipment to direct items according to established routing schemes.
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What Every Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators say are important on the job.
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
- Advertising Inserter
- Pneumatic Tube Operator
- Dead Mail Checker
- Mail Reader
- Tube Operator
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. There will be an estimated 9,400 positions for Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator per year.

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 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
How do I Become a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator?
Learn what Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator education requirements there are.

How many years of work experience do I need?

Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators Sector

Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators work in the following industries:

You May Also Be Interested In…
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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