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Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator

What Does it Take to Be a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator?

Occupation Description 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.

Daily Life Of a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator

  • Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines.
  • Adjust guides, rollers, loose card inserters, weighing machines, and tying arms, using rules and hand tools.
  • Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters.
  • Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.
  • Operate computer-controlled keyboards or voice recognition equipment to direct items according to established routing schemes.
  • Contact delivery or courier services to arrange delivery of letters and parcels.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator?

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.

Other Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator Job Titles

  • Inkjet Operator
  • Mailroom Associate
  • Canceling Machine Operator
  • Direct Mail Coordinator
  • Addressing Machine Operator

Job Outlook 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 9,400 job openings in this field each year.

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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.

Do Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators Make A Lot Of Money?

The salary for Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators ranges between about $20,510 and $46,760 a year.

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Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators 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

Tools & Technologies Used by Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators

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?

Individuals working as a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator have obtained the following education levels:

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What work experience do I need to become a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator?

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Where Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators Are Employed

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

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Similar Careers

Those thinking about becoming a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator might also be interested in the following careers:

References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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