Office & Administrative Support
Postal Service Clerks
Also called: Bulk Mail Technician, Clerk, Distribution Clerk, Part Time Flexible Clerk (PTF Clerk)
US median pay
$62,130
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-0.3%
declining
Openings a year (US)
5,300
70,900 employed
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Obtain signatures from recipients of registered or special delivery mail.
- Answer questions regarding mail regulations and procedures, postage rates, and post office boxes.
- Transport mail from one work station to another.
- Sell and collect payment for products such as stamps, prepaid mail envelopes, and money orders.
- Keep money drawers in order, and record and balance daily transactions.
- Register, certify, and insure letters and parcels.
- Complete forms regarding changes of address, or theft or loss of mail, or for special services such as registered or priority mail.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Service Orientation3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.9/5
- Coordination2.8/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.8/5
- Persuasion2.6/5
- Negotiation2.2/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
- English Language3.4/5
- Mathematics3.4/5
- Sales and Marketing3.0/5
- Administrative3.0/5
- Transportation3.0/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): No formal educational credential.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma68%
- Some college18%
Who this job suits
Mostly Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.