Postal Service Clerks
SOC code 43-5051 · O*NET-SOC 43-5051.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Office and administration
Postal Service Clerks pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$62,130
a year
Hourly
$29.87
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$61,860
$29.74 per hour
Middle 50%
$56,740 – $70,890
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$42,600 – $75,030
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
73,720
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $42,600
- $20.48/hr
- 25th percentile
- $56,740
- $27.28/hr
- Median percentile
- $62,130
- $29.87/hr
- 75th percentile
- $70,890
- $34.08/hr
- 90th percentile
- $75,030
- $36.07/hr
What does a postal service clerk do?
Perform any combination of tasks in a United States Postal Service (USPS) post office, such as receive letters and parcels; sell postage and revenue stamps, postal cards, and stamped envelopes; fill out and sell money orders; place mail in pigeon holes of mail rack or in bags; and examine mail for correct postage. Includes postal service clerks employed by USPS contractors.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Sell and collect payment for products such as stamps, prepaid mail envelopes, and money orders.
- Weigh letters and parcels, compute mailing costs based on type, weight, and destination, and affix correct postage.
- Keep money drawers in order, and record and balance daily transactions.
- Check mail to ensure correct postage and that packages and letters are in proper condition for mailing.
- Register, certify, and insure letters and parcels.
- Complete forms regarding changes of address, or theft or loss of mail, or for special services such as registered or priority mail.
- Sort incoming and outgoing mail, according to type and destination, by hand or by operating electronic mail-sorting and scanning devices.
- Receive letters and parcels, and place mail into bags.
How to become a postal service clerk
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 68% 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.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)68%
- Some College Courses18%
- Less than a High School Diploma8%
- Post-Secondary Certificate7%
Common questions
How much does a postal service clerk earn?
The national median is $62,130 a year. The full range runs from $42,600 at the 10th percentile to $75,030 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 postal service clerk 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
- Active Listening3.4/5
- Speaking3.3/5
- Reading Comprehension3.1/5
- Critical Thinking3.0/5
- Monitoring3.0/5
- Writing2.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
- English Language3.4/5
- Mathematics3.4/5
- Sales and Marketing3.0/5
- Administrative3.0/5
- Computers and Electronics3.0/5
- Transportation3.0/5
- Administration and Management2.9/5
Transferable strengths: Service Orientation, Social Perceptiveness, Time Management, Judgment and Decision Making.