Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Tasks Include:
- Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines.
- Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters.
- Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.
- Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.
- Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.
- Wrap packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines.
- Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.
- Accept and check containers of mail or parcels from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Projections Quick View:
Virginia: +1.4%
National: -6.7%
Education
High School Diploma
Job Zone:
Two: Some Preparation Needed
Income Range:
Moderately High ($36,000 - $49,999)
Median Earnings:
National
$35,070.00
State
$29,580.00
Regional
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Description
Career Cluster: | Business, Management & Administration |
Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution. Time-stamp, open, read, sort, and route incoming mail; and address, seal, stamp, fold, stuff, and affix postage to outgoing mail or packages. Duties may also include keeping necessary records and completed forms.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Education
Required Level of Education
- High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) = 48.44%
- Less than a High School Diploma = 45.39%
- Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 6.17%
Related Work Experience
- None = 93.01%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 3.07%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 2.16%
- Up to and including 1 month = 0.87%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 0.32%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 0.28%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 0.20%
- Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years = 0.10%
On-Site or In-Plant Training
- Up to and including 1 month = 53.74%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 22.07%
- None = 21.24%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 1.43%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 1.41%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 0.11%
On-the-Job Training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 52.77%
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 38.49%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 6.80%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 1.59%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 0.35%
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Tasks
Core Tasks Include:
- Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines.
- Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters.
- Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.
- Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.
- Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.
- Wrap packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines.
- Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.
- Accept and check containers of mail or parcels from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors.
Supplemental Tasks Include:
- Place incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and place identifying tags on sacks or bins.
- Clear jams in sortation equipment.
- Weigh packages or letters to determine postage needed, using weighing scales and rate charts.
- Lift and unload containers of mail or parcels onto equipment for transportation to sortation stations.
- Fold letters or circulars and insert them in envelopes.
- Remove from machines printed materials, such as labeled articles, postmarked envelopes or tape, and folded sheets.
- Add ink, fill paste reservoirs, and change machine ribbons when necessary.
- Start machines that automatically feed plates, stencils, or tapes through mechanisms, and observe machine operations to detect any malfunctions.
- Read production orders to determine types and sizes of items scheduled for printing and mailing.
- Mail merchandise samples or promotional literature in response to requests.
- Inspect mail machine output for defects and determine how to eliminate causes of any defects.
- Contact delivery or courier services to arrange delivery of letters and parcels.
- Insert material for printing or addressing into loading racks on machines, select type or die sizes, and position plates, stencils, or tapes in machine magazines.
- Stamp dates and times of receipt of incoming mail.
- Operate computer-controlled keyboards or voice recognition equipment to direct items according to established routing schemes.
- Adjust guides, rollers, loose card inserters, weighing machines, and tying arms, using rules and hand tools.
- Release packages or letters to customers upon presentation of written notices or other identification.
- Answer inquiries regarding shipping or mailing policies.
- Use equipment, such as forklifts and automated "trains," to move containers of mail.
- Sell mail products, and accept payment for products and mailing charges.
- Operate embossing machines or typewriters to make corrections, additions, and changes to address plates.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Knowledge
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
71.25 | Customer and Personal Service | Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
59.00 | English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Skills
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
50.00 | Reading Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
50.00 | Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
50.00 | Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
50.00 | Monitoring | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
50.00 | Time Management | Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Abilities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
59.50 | Near Vision | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
56.25 | Oral Comprehension | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
53.00 | Written Comprehension | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
53.00 | Information Ordering | The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
53.00 | Category Flexibility | The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. |
53.00 | Manual Dexterity | The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. |
53.00 | Finger Dexterity | The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects. |
53.00 | Speech Recognition | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. |
50.00 | Oral Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
50.00 | Problem Sensitivity | The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. |
50.00 | Deductive Reasoning | The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
50.00 | Arm-Hand Steadiness | The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Work Activities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
68.50 | Performing General Physical Activities | Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
67.50 | Handling and Moving Objects | Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
64.75 | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates | Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
64.50 | Getting Information | Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
62.75 | Controlling Machines and Processes | Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
61.00 | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events | Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
59.75 | Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials | Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
57.25 | Processing Information | Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
57.25 | Working with Computers | Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
55.75 | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships | Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
52.75 | Assisting and Caring for Others | Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. |
51.50 | Making Decisions and Solving Problems | Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
51.00 | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings | Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
50.75 | Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People | Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Work Styles
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
91.50 | Integrity | Job requires being honest and ethical. |
91.00 | Self-Control | Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
89.00 | Dependability | Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
81.25 | Attention to Detail | Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
80.00 | Cooperation | Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
73.00 | Stress Tolerance | Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. |
66.00 | Adaptability/Flexibility | Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
65.75 | Initiative | Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
65.00 | Independence | Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. |
64.75 | Concern for Others | Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
61.00 | Persistence | Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
58.00 | Social Orientation | Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job. |
57.75 | Achievement/Effort | Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
55.50 | Leadership | Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Work Values
% | Subject | Description |
---|
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Work Context
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
99.40 | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? |
97.20 | Telephone | How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? |
94.40 | Electronic Mail | How often do you use electronic mail in this job? |
94.00 | Frequency of Decision Making | How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? |
92.60 | Contact With Others | How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? |
89.80 | Face-to-Face Discussions | How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? |
89.60 | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? |
87.60 | Structured versus Unstructured Work | To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? |
86.80 | Work With Work Group or Team | How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? |
85.80 | Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? |
85.00 | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? |
82.20 | Time Pressure | How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? |
82.00 | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? |
80.80 | Freedom to Make Decisions | How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? |
79.60 | Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | How much does this job require making repetitive motions? |
78.00 | Physical Proximity | To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? |
76.80 | Spend Time Standing | How much does this job require standing? |
74.60 | Responsibility for Outcomes and Results | How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers? |
73.20 | Letters and Memos | How often does the job require written letters and memos? |
72.80 | Deal With External Customers | How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job? |
69.20 | Consequence of Error | How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable? |
68.20 | Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People | How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements? |
68.20 | Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.) |
67.80 | Coordinate or Lead Others | How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? |
65.20 | Spend Time Sitting | How much does this job require sitting? |
64.00 | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety | How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? |
60.00 | Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body | How much does this job require bending or twisting your body? |
60.00 | Spend Time Walking and Running | How much does this job require walking and running? |
59.20 | Level of Competition | To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures? |
59.20 | Degree of Automation | How automated is the job? |
56.20 | Frequency of Conflict Situations | How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job? |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
- Overall Experience
- Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
- Examples
- These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
- Education
- These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Earnings Benefits*
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
---|---|---|---|
United States | $26,280.00 | $35,070.00 | $39,920.00 |
Virginia | $22,880.00 | $29,580.00 | $36,950.00 |
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
Alexandria/Arlington | $28,302.92 | $38,033.33 | $46,589.28 |
Bay Consortium | $25,948.81 | $30,597.10 | $37,470.37 |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | $25,182.36 | $34,844.61 | $39,116.90 |
Central VA/Region2000 | $23,633.97 | $23,954.18 | $29,673.64 |
Crater Area | $30,483.48 | $34,607.03 | $40,753.10 |
Greater Peninsula | $26,182.26 | $34,140.13 | $39,203.67 |
Hampton Roads | $24,990.23 | $31,228.24 | $38,212.03 |
New River/Mt. Rogers | $24,235.15 | $28,038.48 | $33,333.40 |
Northern Virginia | $26,546.89 | $30,501.04 | $38,628.31 |
Piedmont Workforce | $25,346.60 | $28,112.85 | $34,876.63 |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | $27,243.11 | $32,399.61 | $35,311.50 |
Southwestern Virginia | $26,545.86 | $30,982.40 | $34,151.50 |
West Piedmont | $24,354.97 | $31,983.33 | $38,419.66 |
Western Virginia | $24,897.27 | $31,524.70 | $35,383.81 |
* Earnings Calculations:
Regional Earnings:
Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.
National and State Earnings:
Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Employment Projections
Current | Projected | % Change | |
---|---|---|---|
United States | 74,200 | 69,200 | -6.7% |
Virginia | 3,649 | 3,701 | +1.4% |
Region | Current* | Projected | % Change |
Alexandria/Arlington | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Bay Consortium | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Central VA/Region2000 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Crater Area | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Greater Peninsula | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Hampton Roads | No Data | No Data | No Data |
New River/Mt. Rogers | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Northern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Piedmont Workforce | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Southwestern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Western Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Related Occupations
Related Occupations
The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:- Postal Service Clerks
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
- Couriers and Messengers
- Postal Service Mail Carriers
- Data Entry Keyers
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
- Stockers and Order Fillers
- Order Clerks
- Office Clerks, General
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
- Packers and Packagers, Hand
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents
- Cargo and Freight Agents
- File Clerks
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
- Light Truck Drivers
- Billing and Posting Clerks
Careers in Administrative Support Pathway:
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
- Communications Equipment Operators, All Other
- Computer Occupations, All Other
- Correspondence Clerks
- Customer Service Representatives
- Data Entry Keyers
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
- File Clerks
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan
- Library Assistants, Clerical
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
- Meter Readers, Utilities
- New Accounts Clerks
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other
- Office Clerks, General
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
- Order Clerks
- Patient Representatives
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
- Postal Service Clerks
- Postal Service Mail Carriers
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
- Procurement Clerks
- Receptionists and Information Clerks
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
- Stockers and Order Fillers
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
- Telephone Operators
- Word Processors and Typists
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
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Overview
Occupations
The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet28)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Military Training
The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:
- Postal
- Knowledge Operations Management
- Logistics Specialist
- Yeoman
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center. (Using onet28)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Proficiency Ratings
These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Titles
- Addressing Machine Operator
- Addressograph Operator
- Advertising Inserter
- Canceling Machine Operator
- Dead Mail Checker
- Direct Mail Clerk
- Direct Mail Coordinator
- Distribution Clerk
- Envelope Sealer Operator
- Express Clerk
- Folding Machine Operator
- Hand Inserter Operator
- Inkjet Operator
- Insert Operator
- Inserter Operator
- Inserting Machine Operator
- Mail Caller
- Mail Censor
- Mail Clerk
- Mail Distributor
- Mail List Librarian
- Mail List Processor
- Mail Machine Operator
- Mail Opener
- Mail Reader
- Mail Room Clerk
- Mail Service Coordinator
- Mail Sorter
- Mail Technician
- Mail Weigher
- Mailer
- Mailer Apprentice
- Mailing Clerk
- Mailing Jogger
- Mailing Machine Assistant
- Mailing Machine Helper
- Mailing Machine Operator
- Mailing Specialist
- Mailroom Clerk
- Mailroom Supervisor
- Office Copy Selector
- Packaging Clerk
- Packaging Specialist
- Parcel Post Clerk
- Pneumatic Tube Operator
- Production Worker
- Radio Message Router
- Registered Mail Clerk
- Sealing and Canceling Machine Operator
- Shipping Clerk
- Slot Tag Inserter
- Stock Clerk
- Trust Mail Clerk
- Tube Operator
- Tube Station Attendant
- Wing Mailer Machine Operator
- Wrong Address Clerk
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Related Schools
There are no Related Schools at this time.The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)