CFChooseField
Office and Administration

Postal Service Clerks

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Postal Service Clerks
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Median pay

$61,630
Median annual pay for Postal Service Clerks.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-3.5%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

6,100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

74,200
Estimated U.S. employment for Postal Service Clerks in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-2,600
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

No formal educational credential
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Critical Thinking
  5. 5Monitoring
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Mathematics
  4. 4Sales and Marketing
  5. 5Administrative
  6. 6Computers and Electronics

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Comprehension
  2. 2Oral Expression
  3. 3Near Vision
  4. 4Speech Clarity
  5. 5Speech Recognition
  6. 6Written Comprehension

Career interests

  1. 1Conventional
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Enterprising
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Investigative

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Integrity
  4. 4Cooperation
  5. 5Cautiousness
  6. 6Self-Control

Work activities

  1. 1Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  4. 4Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  5. 5Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  6. 6Handling and Moving Objects

Work context

  1. 1Contact With Others
  2. 2Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  3. 3Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
  4. 4Spend Time Standing
  5. 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  6. 6Physical Proximity

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Windows · hot technologyBudgeting softwareDelivery operations information system DOISElectronic Time Clock ETCInventory tracking softwareNCR Advanced StoreTime and Attendance Collection System TACS

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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