What Do Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator Do?
Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator Job 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
- Read production orders to determine types and sizes of items scheduled for printing and mailing.
- Start machines that automatically feed plates, stencils, or tapes through mechanisms, and observe machine operations to detect any malfunctions.
- Weigh packages or letters to determine postage needed, using weighing scales and rate charts.
- Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines.
- Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.
- Mail merchandise samples or promotional literature in response to requests.
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Skills Needed to be a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Types of Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator Jobs
- Office Copy Selector
- Mailing Specialist
- Distribution Clerk
- Direct Mail Coordinator
- Mail List Librarian
Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 95,500 jobs for Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator in 2016. 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.

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 typical yearly salary for Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators is somewhere between $20,510 and $46,760.

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 |
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
- Recordkeeping software
- Financial accounting software
How to Become a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator
What education is needed to be a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators?

The table below shows the approximate number of Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators employed by various industries.

Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Mail Clerk or Mail Machine Operator may also be interested in:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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