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Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service

Also called: Mail Clerk, Mail Machine Operator, Mail Sorter, Postal Clerk

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.

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Median pay BLS, 2025$39,280
Openings a year BLS, 2025–354,700
Typical education to start BLSHigh school diploma or equivalent
AI exposure BLS, Aug 2026 Moderate
Projected job growth BLS, 2025–35 -7.2%

What the data says: AI could halve the time on 5 of its 29 tasks, and jobs are projected to shrink 7.2% by 2035. How to think about this →

About this projection

BLS builds AI into its projections where the research supports it: “BLS generally applies adjustments based on this research conservatively, where there is convincing evidence for a change.”

It also notes a limit: “BLS projection methods are not designed to capture extremely rapid technological change.”

On its AI exposure groups, BLS says exposure “does not imply job loss.”

Recent conditions

  • In 2024, 3.6% of people in this work were unemployed, against 3.8% across all occupations Census ACS 2024
  • From Sep 2025 to Aug 2026, 7.9 hires for every 10 job openings in professional and business services, which employs about 50% of people in this work, against 7.3 across all industries BLS JOLTS One box per opening, filled for each hire; hires beyond the openings are added in a lighter shade. Higher can mean openings get filled, or that people leave often; lower, that jobs go unfilled, or hiring is slow.

How to read these

Pay compared with all occupations BLS median wages Pays more than 11% of 825 occupations
lowest-paidhighest-paid

Median pay by state BLS OEWS May 2025, state estimates

$33k$49knot published

Median pay in every state
StateMedianMiddle half earnJobs
Alabama$36,190$29,060 to $42,220470
Alaskanot publishednot published130
Arizona$38,260$35,810 to $43,850810
Arkansas$37,940$31,070 to $43,420330
California$44,410$38,680 to $52,2404,710
Colorado$43,430$39,200 to $46,850880
Connecticut$43,970$38,440 to $48,440680
Delaware$36,450$34,380 to $38,640630
District of Columbia$49,240$41,760 to $60,940310
Florida$39,300$35,700 to $46,3202,470
Georgia$36,110$30,150 to $42,2401,850
Hawaii$38,270$35,240 to $47,760200
Idaho$39,890$32,800 to $43,920110
Illinois$38,190$35,440 to $45,5303,150
Indiana$38,490$34,370 to $44,0101,310
Iowa$35,610$30,690 to $40,020830
Kansas$36,020$30,740 to $40,920750
Kentucky$37,890$32,780 to $44,000530
Louisiana$34,860$30,480 to $37,180590
Maine$44,780$39,870 to $47,960160
Maryland$40,280$36,440 to $45,1901,580
Massachusetts$48,860$42,330 to $56,5701,050
Michigan$36,900$34,490 to $41,8101,660
Minnesota$44,840$38,290 to $47,4301,170
Mississippi$34,350$25,630 to $43,400270
Missouri$38,110$35,710 to $43,5001,140
Montana$38,880$36,900 to $42,680180
Nebraska$40,080$35,700 to $44,720240
Nevada$40,520$33,460 to $47,860420
New Hampshire$41,060$36,070 to $47,190280
New Jersey$43,700$37,920 to $50,0602,210
New Mexico$40,080$34,640 to $44,530100
New York$42,020$36,090 to $48,8205,990
North Carolina$37,830$32,450 to $42,3501,280
North Dakota$38,120$37,620 to $42,060110
Ohio$38,470$35,800 to $45,4202,210
Oklahoma$36,680$31,110 to $45,180810
Oregon$43,450$35,340 to $47,840370
Pennsylvania$37,980$34,020 to $45,4502,810
Puerto Rico$23,560$21,840 to $36,870160
Rhode Island$38,330$37,780 to $44,980310
South Carolina$36,780$33,310 to $45,510580
South Dakota$37,580$34,220 to $39,890320
Tennessee$35,610$30,720 to $39,290760
Texas$38,470$33,420 to $44,8703,250
Utah$45,150$37,500 to $49,820460
Vermont$45,380$38,800 to $47,160120
Virginia$36,780$29,990 to $43,9301,610
Washington$46,380$41,060 to $55,8201,360
West Virginia$35,140$27,320 to $44,500270
Wisconsin$37,730$32,490 to $44,3401,310
Wyoming$32,940$29,910 to $38,88090

Nationally: $39,280. Shades run from the lowest state median to the highest; a territory below that range takes the lightest. How to read this

How AI touches the work

What AI could speed up, task by task, and where people already use it.

AI could halve the time on 5 of its 29 tasks

2 · AI alone could halve the time 3 · AI + software built on it could 24 · Not much
AI ratingIts main tasks Share of Claude conversations
May 2026
Not much Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary. Not published
AI + software Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing. Not published
AI + software Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities. Not published
Not much Weigh packages or letters to determine postage needed, using weighing scales and rate charts. Not published
Not much Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines. Not published
AI alone Answer inquiries regarding shipping or mailing policies. Not published
See all 29 tasks
Not much Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters. Not published
Not much Clear jams in sortation equipment. Not published
Not much Place incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and place identifying tags on sacks or bins. Not published
Not much Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures. Not published
Not much Lift and unload containers of mail or parcels onto equipment for transportation to sortation stations. Not published
Not much Add ink, fill paste reservoirs, and change machine ribbons when necessary. Not published
Not much Release packages or letters to customers upon presentation of written notices or other identification. Not published
Not much Fold letters or circulars and insert them in envelopes. Not published
Not much Accept and check containers of mail or parcels from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors. Not published
Not much Contact delivery or courier services to arrange delivery of letters and parcels. Not published
Not much Remove from machines printed materials, such as labeled articles, postmarked envelopes or tape, and folded sheets. Not published
Not much Inspect mail machine output for defects and determine how to eliminate causes of any defects. Not published
Not much Stamp dates and times of receipt of incoming mail. Not published
Not much Wrap packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines. Not published
AI + software Read production orders to determine types and sizes of items scheduled for printing and mailing. Not published
Not much Start machines that automatically feed plates, stencils, or tapes through mechanisms, and observe machine operations to detect any malfunctions. Not published
Not much Adjust guides, rollers, loose card inserters, weighing machines, and tying arms, using rules and hand tools. Not published
AI alone Mail merchandise samples or promotional literature in response to requests. Not published
Not much Operate computer-controlled keyboards or voice recognition equipment to direct items according to established routing schemes. Not published
Not much Sell mail products, and accept payment for products and mailing charges. Not published
Not much Operate embossing machines or typewriters to make corrections, additions, and changes to address plates. O*NET flags this task's ratings as uncertain Not published
Not much 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. O*NET flags this task's ratings as uncertain Not published
Not much Use equipment, such as forklifts and automated "trains," to move containers of mail. O*NET flags this task's ratings as uncertain Not published

Ordered by how important O*NET's respondents rate each task (1 to 5) times the share who say it is part of their job. The ordering is ours. 0 of the 29 have a published share of Claude conversations; “not published” means too few conversations for Anthropic to publish a figure.

Where people already use AI

The tasks above say what AI could speed up. This shows what people are using it for. Its 29 tasks fall under 25 work activities that many occupations share, and Microsoft counted how often each one came up in 200,000 conversations with its Copilot assistant in 2024.

Tasks AI could speed up5 of 29 tasksEloundou et al. ratings (2023)
Its activities among the 50 people ask AI for help with most4 of 25 activities
  • #8 Read documents or materials to inform work processes
  • #12 Explain regulations, policies, or procedures
  • #13 Operate computer systems or computerized equipment
  • and 1 more, in the table below
Microsoft Copilot (2024), ranked among all 332 activities. The cut-off of 50 is ours.
Work activity This occupation's tasks under it People asked AI for help
in 10,000 conversations		 AI did it for them
in 10,000 conversations
Process shipments or mail 0.92#240 0.08#275
Load products, materials, or equipment for transportation or further processing 0.15#308 0.01#322
Sort materials or products 3.97#147 1.71#135
Maintain tools or equipment 4.47#136 1.04#167
Package objects 0.69#258 0.14#259
Read documents or materials to inform work processes 197#8 47#28
Explain regulations, policies, or procedures 131#12 119#15
Operate computer systems or computerized equipment 130#13 109#16
Show all 25 activities
Perform administrative or clerical activities 58#30 25#44
Examine materials or documentation for accuracy or compliance 22#53 12#64
Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performance 20#57 4.31#101
Set up equipment 20#58 4.69#95
Obtain formal documentation or authorization 17#63 1.37#145
Measure physical characteristics of materials, products, or equipment 6.04#113 1.15#158
Operate office equipment 5.87#115 0.51#202
Inspect completed work or finished products 3.91#150 1.95#130
Analyze data to improve operations 3.31#159 1.09#162
Mark materials or objects for identification 3.28#160 0.80#172
Sell products or services 2.58#178 2.08#129
Monitor equipment operation 1.87#203 0.26#236
Direct organizational operations, activities, or procedures 1.85#204 0.36#225
Collect fares or payments 0.57#265 0.03#289
Operate industrial processing or production equipment 0.13#309 0.02#301
Operate lifting or moving equipment 0.09#318 0.02#311
Operate construction or excavation equipment 0.04#327 0.01#318
Task: AI alone Task: AI + software Task: not much #: rank among all 332 activities Microsoft measured (#1 = most common; activities that never came up share last place, shown as “tied”)
Where the two sources differ: “Process shipments or mail” holds 1 task rated AI alone, yet people asked AI for help with it in 0.92 of every 10,000 conversations, #240 of 332.
How to read this

Work activities come from O*NET, which links every task to the broader activities it involves. Microsoft's figures are for the activity across everyone who used Copilot, not for mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service specifically. Copilot is a general chat assistant; dedicated coding tools are not included, so programming help is under-counted here. Activities are listed by how many of this occupation's tasks fall under them.

The task ratings say whether AI could halve the time a task takes: on its own (“AI alone”), or with software built on it (“AI + software”). They were made by people in 2023 (Eloundou et al.). Claude's share is the task's share of all Claude.ai conversations in May 2026; Anthropic doesn't publish a task with too few conversations. None of these add up to the BLS exposure group, which combines five research measures.

More in the Guide: task ratings · task order · work activities · Copilot figures · Claude

High exposure doesn't mean fewer jobs

BLS projects most occupations in its two most exposed groups to grow: 141 of 206 rated Very high and 165 of 206 rated High. Each dot is one of the 831 occupations BLS rates.

AI exposure and projected job growth, 831 occupationsLow exposure: 134 of 213 occupations projected to grow. Moderate exposure: 151 of 206 occupations projected to grow. High exposure: 165 of 206 occupations projected to grow. Very high exposure: 141 of 206 occupations projected to grow.-20%-15%-10%-5%0%+5%+10%+15%+20%+25%Low134 of 213 growingModerate151 of 206 growingHigh165 of 206 growingVery high141 of 206 growing11 occupations outside −20% to +25% are drawn at the edge. Click a dot to see that occupation.Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service: -7.2%Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal ServiceAI exposure and projected job growth, 831 occupationsLow exposure: 134 of 213 occupations projected to grow. Moderate exposure: 151 of 206 occupations projected to grow. High exposure: 165 of 206 occupations projected to grow. Very high exposure: 141 of 206 occupations projected to grow.-20%-15%-10%-5%0%+5%+10%+15%+20%+25%Low134 of 213Moderate151 of 206High165 of 206Very high141 of 20611 occupations outside −20% to +25% are drawn at the edge. Tap a dot.Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service: -7.2%Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service

Career moves into and out of this occupation

From moves between occupations found in online resumes, 2002–2016. Career changes only: a first job after school isn't a move.

Where people moved next

of 38,842 moves out

  1. 1 Customer Service Representatives Very high -5.3% 6%
  2. 2 Security Guards Moderate +0.9% 3%
  3. 3 Managers, All Other (2010 group) an older group BLS has since split; no exposure group today 3%
  4. 4 Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Very high -6.0% 3%
  5. 5 Office Clerks, General Very high -6.0% 3%

Where people moved in from

of 34,062 moves in

  1. 1 Customer Service Representatives Very high -5.3% 7%
  2. 2 Cashiers High -6.5% 5%
  3. 3 Retail Salespersons Very high -0.3% 4%
  4. 4 Office Clerks, General Very high -6.0% 4%
  5. 5 Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Low +1.8% 4%

Resumes over-represent younger, white-collar job-seekers and moves into management. Schubert, Stansbury and Taska (resume data).

Education and training for the occupation

Education people in it hold

O*NET survey of workers in this occupation

  • 6% associate's
  • 94% not published

O*NET marks 94% of the answers as too uncertain to publish, so the parts shown don't add up to 100%.

O*NET 31.0 survey of workers in this occupation · 29 people answered.

Census survey (American Community Survey)

  • 9% less than high school
  • 40% high school
  • 24% some college
  • 8% associate's
  • 16% bachelor's
  • 2% master's
  • 1% professional degree

Census ACS 2024, all workers in this occupation · 660 people surveyed.

Why the two can differ

O*NET asks about 20 people in each occupation, which makes its shares uncertain, but it reports the exact occupation and counts certificates. The Census survey reaches thousands, but it groups some occupations together and counts degrees only. More in the Guide

Median pay by highest degree full-time, year-round · Census ACS 2024, all workers in this occupation

Jobs that require a credential BLS Occupational Requirements Survey 2023

18.4% this occupation

45.3% all occupations

By kindThis occupationAll occupations
a license<0.5%19.1%
a certification<0.5%5.8%
an educational certificate<0.5%2.8%

Share of jobs whose employer requires it. BLS doesn't say which credential. How to read this

Look up certifications, training and licenses U.S. Department of Labor

  • Certification Finder ↗ certifications CareerOneStop lists for this occupation
  • Training Finder ↗ schools and programs, nationwide; narrow the place there
  • License Finder ↗ licenses by state
  • Apprenticeship Finder ↗ DOL lists 1 registered apprenticeship in this occupation (MAILER). Apprenticeship.gov can't be linked to one occupation, so search for “Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service” there.

These open in a new tab and send only the occupation's public code. More in the Guide

See where your own career could go Start by uploading your resume Browse careers

BLS AI exposure categories (Aug 2026) · BLS Employment Projections 2025–35 · O*NET 31.0 · Task ratings: Eloundou et al., Science (2024) · Microsoft "Working with AI" v1.1 · Anthropic Economic Index (2026-06-26) · Schubert, Stansbury and Taska · NCES CIP–SOC · Census ACS 2024 · BLS JOLTS

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