Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Mail clerks and mail machine operators prepare mail for delivery and distribution at businesses, hospitals, law firms, and other organizations. They sort incoming mail by destination, open and route it to departments, and prepare outgoing mail by folding, stuffing, sealing, and stamping packages and envelopes. This work happens in mailrooms and administrative offices.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A mail clerk's day involves routine, organized tasks. They may begin by opening and sorting incoming mail, time-stamping items and routing them to correct departments. Later work includes preparing outgoing mail—folding documents, inserting them into envelopes, sealing, applying postage, and organizing packages for pickup. They update mail logs and records. Tasks repeat daily with consistent procedures and predictable workflows.
Who this work suits
Holland code CRE. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to like this work if you prefer clear processes and organized environments over constant variety. You're detail-oriented and reliable, enjoying tasks that follow logical steps—sorting, organizing, and completing forms accurately. You work well with established systems and find satisfaction in keeping operations running smoothly.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Mail Clerk · John C. Stennis Space Center · Stennis Space Center, Mississippi · $40736–$52957
- Mail Clerk · Veterans Health Administration · Amarillo, Texas · $37193–$46526
- LEAD MAIL CLERK · Defense Finance and Accounting Service · Whitehall, Ohio · $42507–$55259
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $41,760 | $49,240 | $60,940 | 310 |
| Massachusetts | $42,330 | $48,860 | $56,570 | 1,050 |
| Washington | $41,060 | $46,380 | $55,820 | 1,360 |
| Vermont | $38,800 | $45,380 | $47,160 | 120 |
| Utah | $37,500 | $45,150 | $49,820 | 460 |
| Minnesota | $38,290 | $44,840 | $47,430 | 1,170 |
| Maine | $39,870 | $44,780 | $47,960 | 160 |
| California | $38,680 | $44,410 | $52,240 | 4,710 |
| Connecticut | $38,440 | $43,970 | $48,440 | 680 |
| New Jersey | $37,920 | $43,700 | $50,060 | 2,210 |
| Oregon | $35,340 | $43,450 | $47,840 | 370 |
| Colorado | $39,200 | $43,430 | $46,850 | 880 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Mail Manager (CMM) — In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 43-9051.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.