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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators

Median Salary
53,440
Job Outlook
+3%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Federal Government

84%

Private for profit

14%

Private not for profit

1%

Self-employed

0%

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of postal service workers is projected to decline 4 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 35,800 openings for postal service workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$51,400

10%

$53,440

Median

$70,740

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    81%

  • Less than high school

    12%

  • Some college

    6%

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • English Language
  • Administrative
  • Administration and Management
  • Transportation
  • Computers and Electronics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.