Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service

SOC code 43-9051 · O*NET-SOC 43-9051.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Office and administration

Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$39,280

a year

Hourly

$18.89

per hour

10th$30,780Median$39,28090th$54,820

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$41,650

$20.03 per hour

Middle 50%

$35,470 – $46,450

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$30,780 – $54,820

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

55,230

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $30,780; $14.80/hr
25th percentile: $35,470; $17.05/hr
Median percentile: $39,280; $18.89/hr
75th percentile: $46,450; $22.33/hr
90th percentile: $54,820; $26.36/hr

What do 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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Lift and unload containers of mail or parcels onto equipment for transportation to sortation stations.
Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.
Read production orders to determine types and sizes of items scheduled for printing and mailing.
Clear jams in sortation equipment.
Place incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and place identifying tags on sacks or bins.
Release packages or letters to customers upon presentation of written notices or other identification.
Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.
Adjust guides, rollers, loose card inserters, weighing machines, and tying arms, using rules and hand tools.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 48% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)48%
Less than a High School Diploma45%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree6%

Common questions

How much does a mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service earn?

The national median is $39,280 a year. The full range runs from $30,780 at the 10th percentile to $54,820 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension3.0/5
Speaking3.0/5
Critical Thinking3.0/5
Monitoring3.0/5
Active Listening2.9/5
Writing2.9/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
English Language3.4/5
Mathematics3.0/5
Law and Government2.5/5
Education and Training2.5/5
Administrative2.5/5

Transferable strengths: Time Management, Coordination, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control.