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Career overview · SOC 43-5051

Postal Service Clerks

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.

Also called: Bulk Mail Technician · Clerk · Distribution Clerk · Part Time Flexible Clerk (PTF Clerk) · Postal Clerk · Sales and Distribution Clerk

Median pay (national)
$61,630
$42,600–$74,050 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
78,060
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-3.5%
~6,100 openings/yr
Typical entry
No formal educational credential

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for postal service clerks shows a relatively narrow range: the top 10% earn $74,050 versus $42,600 at the bottom 10% — 1.7x. The median of $61,630 leaves roughly 20% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -3.5% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 6,100 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 53 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $65,770, +7% vs the national median), while Alaska sits lowest at $55,720 — a 18% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Speaking, Reading Comprehension as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Writing
  • Mathematics
  • Active Learning
  • Learning Strategies
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • Obtain signatures from recipients of registered or special delivery mail.
  • Weigh letters and parcels, compute mailing costs based on type, weight, and destination, and affix correct postage.
  • Check mail to ensure correct postage and that packages and letters are in proper condition for mailing.
  • Sort incoming and outgoing mail, according to type and destination, by hand or by operating electronic mail-sorting and scanning devices.
  • Answer questions regarding mail regulations and procedures, postage rates, and post office boxes.
  • Transport mail from one work station to another.
  • Respond to complaints regarding mail theft, delivery problems, and lost or damaged mail, filling out forms and making appropriate referrals for investigation.
  • Provide assistance to the public in complying with federal regulations of Postal Service and other federal agencies.
  • Rent post office boxes to customers.
  • Feed mail into postage canceling devices or hand stamp mail to cancel postage.

Tools & technology

  • Microsoft Windows
  • Budgeting software
  • Delivery operations information system DOIS
  • Electronic Time Clock ETC
  • Inventory tracking software
  • NCR Advanced Store
  • Time and Attendance Collection System TACS

Knowledge areas

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Mathematics
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Administrative
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Transportation
  • Administration and Management