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.
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
SOC: 43-5053 O*NET: 43-5053.00
Median Salary
$58,470
per year
Job Growth
📉 -8.4%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
7.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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 does a Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$45,530
10th percentile
Early Career
$48,880
25th percentile
Median
$58,470
50th percentile
Experienced
$75,030
75th percentile
Top Earners
$75,280
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$45,530
25th
$48,880
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$58,470
Mean: $59,430
75th
$75,030
90th
$75,280
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $29,750 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $48,880 and $75,030
- •Salary spread is 44.7% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 105,200 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:106,400
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-8.4%
Annual Openings:7,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)106,400
Current
2034 (Projected)97,500
-8.4%
-8,900
Employment Change
-8.4%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
10,090 jobs$59,4900.82x
New York
8,290 jobs$58,4701.27x
Texas
7,900 jobs$56,3900.83x
Florida
7,240 jobs$57,4301.08x
Pennsylvania
5,630 jobs$57,4301.37x
Illinois
5,370 jobs$58,3001.30x
North Carolina
4,040 jobs$55,3501.21x
Ohio
3,700 jobs$58,4700.99x
New Jersey
3,660 jobs$60,5301.26x
Michigan
3,370 jobs$59,4901.13x
Georgia
3,050 jobs$53,2900.92x
Massachusetts
2,910 jobs$58,4701.18x
Tennessee
2,850 jobs$56,3901.28x
Missouri
2,730 jobs$57,4301.38x
Maryland
2,430 jobs$58,4701.30x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Monitoring
100%
#2
English Language
100%
#3
Near Vision
100%
#4
Manual Dexterity
92%
#5
Coordination
86%
#6
Information Ordering
82%
#7
Perceptual Speed
74%
#8
Critical Thinking
70%
#9
Static Strength
66%
#10
Category Flexibility
58%
Skills Overview
Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
English Language
advanced5.0
100%
Near Vision
advanced5.0
100%
Manual Dexterity
advanced4.6
92%
Coordination
intermediate4.3
86%
Information Ordering
intermediate4.1
82%
Perceptual Speed
intermediate3.7
74%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.5
70%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
English Language
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Near Vision
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Manual Dexterity
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Coordination
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Information Ordering
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Perceptual Speed
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance70%
abilities
3.5/5.0
Static Strength
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Category Flexibility
basicImportance58%
abilities
2.9/5.0
Speaking
basicImportance56%
skills
2.8/5.0
Written Comprehension
basicImportance48%
abilities
2.4/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Musicians and Singers71%
5 shared skills
Craft Artists67%
4 shared skills
Glaziers67%
4 shared skills
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service67%
4 shared skills
Forest and Conservation Workers63%
5 shared skills
Nursing Assistants63%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Coordination
- ✓English Language
Learn on the Job:
- →Speaking
- →Static Strength
- →Category Flexibility
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Coordination
- ✓English Language
- ✓Near Vision
- ✓Manual Dexterity
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★English Language
- ★Near Vision
- ★Manual Dexterity
- ★Information Ordering
- ★Critical Thinking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Teradata Database
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Teradata Database
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
14
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Management & Supervision (2)Planning & Development (1)Training & Development (2)General Responsibilities (8)Operations & Execution (1)
1
Direct items according to established routing schemes, using computer-controlled keyboards or voice-recognition equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision100% perform100%
2
Bundle, label, and route sorted mail to designated areas, depending on destinations and according to established procedures and deadlines.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Train new workers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development94% perform96%
4
Distribute incoming mail into the correct boxes or pigeonholes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Operate various types of equipment, such as computer scanning equipment, addressographs, mimeographs, optical character readers, and bar-code sorters.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution88% perform92%
6
Search directories to find correct addresses for redirected mail.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision85% perform90%
7
Clear jams in sorting equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Check items to ensure that addresses are legible and correct, that sufficient postage has been paid or the appropriate documentation is attached, and that items are in a suitable condition for processing.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Open and label mail containers.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Rewrap soiled or broken parcels.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on management & supervision activities
- •50% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators professionals typically have a CRS Holland code and highly value support
CConventional
RRealistic
SSocial
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.12
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.00
Dependability
ImportantDependability
Importance Level3.97
Cooperation
ImportantCooperation
Importance Level3.92
Self-Control
ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level3.91
Stress Tolerance
ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level3.69
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.1
Attention to Detail
4.0
Dependability
4.0
Cooperation
3.9
Self-Control
3.9
Stress Tolerance
3.7
Independence
3.6
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
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