Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution for the United States Postal Service (USPS). Examine, sort, and route mail. Load, operate, and occasionally adjust and repair mail processing, sorting, and canceling machinery. Keep records of shipments, pouches, and sacks, and perform other duties related to mail handling within the postal service. Includes postal service mail sorters and processors employed by USPS contractors.
Common Job Titles
- Automation Clerk
- Distribution Clerk
- Mail Handler
- Mail Processor
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onPerform high-volume mail handling and sorting operations using manual and automated sorting equipment in a fast-paced postal facility.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate mail processing machinery including barcode sorters, optical character readers, and conveyor systems while monitoring equipment performance and maintaining processing standards.Developing
- KnowledgeClassify incoming and outgoing mail by destination, type, and delivery route following USPS regulations and sorting protocols.Developing
- KnowledgeApply postal addressing standards and routing procedures to ensure accurate mail distribution across local and national networks.Developing
- Hands-onManipulate mail scales, packaging machines, and canceling equipment to prepare shipments and process outgoing mail according to weight and size specifications.Developing
- KnowledgeIdentify equipment malfunctions and operational irregularities in mail processing systems during routine operations monitoring and quality checks.Developing
- MindsetEngage with supervisors and team members to coordinate workflow and resolve processing issues in a collaborative postal service environment.Developing
- KnowledgeExplain USPS sorting procedures and mail handling protocols when training new employees or providing guidance to team members.Developing
- KnowledgeDemonstrate use of postal information systems and barcode scanning technology for tracking shipments, recording processing data, and managing inventory.Developing
- Hands-onExecute minor adjustments and troubleshooting procedures on mail processing equipment to maintain operational efficiency and minimize downtime.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
111,930
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $42,600. 25th percentile: U.S. $47,380. 50th percentile: U.S. $56,530. 75th percentile: U.S. $72,970. 90th percentile: U.S. $74,050. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $42,600 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $74,050 |
| Workers on average earn | $58,310 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- English Language3.0/5
- Production and Processing2.5/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.4/5
- Administrative2.3/5
- Administration and Management2.2/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
- Teradata Database
Technology Skills
- Address Management System AMS
- Automated Package Processing System APPS
- Barcode reader software
- Delivery Routing System DRS
- Delivery operations information system DOIS
- Directory software
- Electronic Time Clock ETC
- Multi-line optical character reader OCR software
Tools & Equipment
- Addressographs
- Automatic airline assignment systems
- Automatic pallet unloaders
- Barcode scanners
- Barcode sorters
- Compact assignment machines
- Computer data input scanners
- Conveyor belts