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Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators

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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.

Sample of reported job titles: Automation Clerk, Computer Forwarding System Markup Clerk (CFS Markup Clerk), Distribution Clerk, Flat Sorting Machine Clerk (FSM Clerk), Mail Handler, Mail Handler Equipment Operator, Mail Processing Clerk, Mail Processor, Parcel Post Distribution Machine Operator (PDPMO), Small Package and Bundle Sorter Clerk (SPBS Clerk)

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Tasks  |  Technology Skills  |  Tools Used  |  Knowledge  |  Skills  |  Abilities  |  Work Activities  |  Detailed Work Activities  |  Work Context  |  Job Zone  |  Education  |  Credentials  |  Interests  |  Work Styles  |  Work Values  |  Related Occupations  |  Wages & Employment  |  Job Openings  |  Additional Information

Tasks

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  • Clear jams in sorting equipment.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Operate various types of equipment, such as computer scanning equipment, addressographs, mimeographs, optical character readers, and bar-code sorters.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Sort odd-sized mail by hand, sort mail that other workers have been unable to sort, and segregate items requiring special handling.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Direct items according to established routing schemes, using computer-controlled keyboards or voice-recognition equipment.See more occupations related to this task.
  • 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.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Bundle, label, and route sorted mail to designated areas, depending on destinations and according to established procedures and deadlines.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Move containers of mail, using equipment, such as forklifts and automated “trains”.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Open and label mail containers.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Load and unload mail trucks, sometimes lifting containers of mail onto equipment that transports items to sorting stations.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Distribute incoming mail into the correct boxes or pigeonholes.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Rewrap soiled or broken parcels.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Train new workers.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Dump sacks of mail onto conveyors for culling and sorting.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Search directories to find correct addresses for redirected mail.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Weigh articles to determine required postage.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Cancel letter or parcel post stamps by hand.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Accept and check containers of mail from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors.See more occupations related to this task.

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Technology Skills

Show fewer All 14 displayed     Show 24 tools used
  • Bar coding software — Barcode reader softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Cloud-based data access and sharing software — Microsoft SharePoint Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Data base management system software — Teradata Database Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Data base user interface and query software — Address Management System AMS; Directory softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software Hot technology — Delivery operations information system DOIS; SAP softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Human resources software — Time and Attendance Collection System TACSSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Inventory management software — Automated Package Processing System APPSSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Map creation software — Delivery Routing System DRSSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Office suite software — Microsoft Office Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Optical character reader OCR or scanning software — Multi-line optical character reader OCR softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Point of sale POS software — NCR Advanced StoreSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Time accounting software — Electronic Time Clock ETCSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Word processing software — Microsoft Word Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.

Hot technology Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

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Knowledge

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  • English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.See more occupations related to this knowledge.

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Skills

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  • Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.See more occupations related to this skill.

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Abilities

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  • Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • 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.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • 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).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • 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.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • 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.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without “giving out” or fatiguing.See more occupations related to this ability.

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Work Activities

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  • Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • 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.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.See more occupations related to this activity.

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Detailed Work Activities

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  • Route mail to correct destinations.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Maintain office equipment in proper operating condition.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Verify shipping documentation.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Package objects for shipping.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Operate computers or computerized equipment.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Attach identification information to products, items or containers.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Unload materials or equipment.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Load materials or equipment.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Sort mail.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Distribute incoming mail.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Train personnel.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Obtain personal or financial information about customers or applicants.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Weigh parcels to determine shipping costs.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Prepare outgoing mail.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Receive shipments.See more occupations related to this activity.

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Work Context

Show fewer All 26 displayed
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 100% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Time Pressure — 88% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 66% responded “Continually or almost continually.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 80% responded “Continually or almost continually.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 84% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Standing — 49% responded “Continually or almost continually.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 74% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Exposed to Contaminants — 65% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 43% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 48% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — 56% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Contact With Others — 42% responded “Constant contact with others.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Walking and Running — 35% responded “Continually or almost continually.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Degree of Automation — 51% responded “Highly automated.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 42% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — 44% responded “Continually or almost continually.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Duration of Typical Work Week — 59% responded “40 hours.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 58% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Physical Proximity — 29% responded “Moderately close (at arm’s length).”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — 35% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Frequency of Decision Making — 46% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 33% responded “Very little freedom.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 43% responded “Limited responsibility.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 33% responded “Some freedom.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 26% responded “Important results.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Coordinate or Lead Others — 26% responded “Important.”See more occupations related to this work context.

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Job Zone

Title Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Related 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.
Job Zone 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, and tellers.
SVP Range (4.0 to < 6.0)

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Education


Percentage of Respondents
Education Level Required
81   High school diploma or equivalent

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12   Less than high school diploma
6   Some college, no degree

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Credentials

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Interests

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Interest code: CR   Want to discover your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.

  • Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.See more occupations related to this interest.
  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.See more occupations related to this interest.

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Work Styles

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  • Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • 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.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.See more occupations related to this work style.

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Work Values

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  • Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.See more occupations related to this work value.
  • Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.See more occupations related to this work value.
  • Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.See more occupations related to this work value.

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Related Occupations

Show fewer All 10 displayed
39-3021.00 Motion Picture Projectionists Bright Outlook
41-2012.00 Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers Bright Outlook
43-5051.00 Postal Service Clerks
43-5111.00 Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping Bright Outlook
43-9051.00 Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
51-2021.00 Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers
51-5113.00 Print Binding and Finishing Workers
51-6011.00 Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers   Bright Outlook Bright Outlook
51-6041.00 Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers
51-6063.00 Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

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Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2020) $25.55 hourly, $53,140 annual
State wages
 
Local wages
  
Employment (2020) 100,400 employees
Projected growth (2020-2030) Decline (-1% or lower) Decline (-1% or lower)
Projected job openings (2020-2030) 7,000
State trends
 
Top industries (2020)
Government

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data external site and 2020-2030 employment projections external site. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2020-2030). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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Job Openings on the Web

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Sources of Additional Information

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Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

  • American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO external site
  • National Association of Letter Carriers external site
  • National Postal Mail Handlers Union external site
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook: Postal service workers external site
  • United Postmasters and Managers of America external site

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This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

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