The median pay for Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators is $58,470 a year ($28.11/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to fall 5.3% through 2035, with about 7,300 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
- SOC 43-5053
- Office and Administrative Support
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Postal Service Mail Sorter, Processor, and Processing Machine Operator in four numbers
- Median pay
- $58,470a year, or $28.11/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $46KTop 10% $75K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -5.3%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−5.3%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −5.3% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 7,300101,200 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 2025101.2K
- Projected 203595.9K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 101.2K Projected 2035 95.9K - Typical education
- No formal credentialneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school12.5%
- High school81.4%
- Some college6.1%
Highest education held by postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators Segment Value Less than high school 12.5% High school 81.4% Some college 6.1%
Also advertised as: Automation Clerk, Computer Forwarding System Markup Clerk (CFS Markup Clerk), Distribution Clerk, Flat Sorting Machine Clerk (FSM Clerk), Mail Handler, Mail Handler Equipment Operator.
Pay
How much do Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators make?
Every postal service mail sorter, processor, and processing machine operator in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$58,470
Middle half earn $48,880 to $75,030
- 10th
- $45,530
- 25th
- $48,880
- 75th
- $75,030
- 90th
- $75,280
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $45,530 |
| 25th | $48,880 |
| Median | $58,470 |
| 75th | $75,030 |
| 90th | $75,280 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $58,470
- Median hourly wage
- $28.11/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $59,430
- People employed
- 105,200
Versus all US occupations
At $58,470, Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators earn 15% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $7,490 a year.
Versus office and administrative support occupations
Inside the Office and Administrative Support group, where the middle occupation pays $49,230, this is 19% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $75,280 or more while the bottom 10% earn $45,530, a gap of 1.7×. That is a narrow spread, so experience and employer move pay less than in most occupations.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 30% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
District of Columbia posts the highest raw median ($66,750), but once local prices are taken into account South Dakota leads at $69,503 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1District of Columbia | $66,750 | $60,736 | 400 |
| 2South Dakota | $61,570 | $69,503 | 210 |
| 3Guam | $60,530 | N/A | 30 |
| 4Iowa | $60,530 | $68,971 | 1,040 |
| 5New Jersey | $60,530 | $55,632 | 3,660 |
| 6Wyoming | $60,530 | $65,303 | 120 |
| 7North Dakota | $59,840 | $67,267 | 240 |
| 8Minnesota | $59,740 | $60,575 | 1,840 |
| 9California | $59,490 | $53,730 | 10,090 |
| 10Hawaii | $59,490 | $54,106 | 370 |
Job outlook
Is Postal Service Mail Sorter, Processor, and Processing Machine Operator a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -5.3% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators | −5.3% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators to change -5.3% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 5,300 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 7,300 openings are projected each year, 7.2% of the 101,200 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of postal service workers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, decline.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
The postal service likely will need fewer workers because new mail sorting technology can read text and automatically sort, forward, and process mail. The greater use of online services to pay bills and the increased use of online communications should also reduce the need for sorting and processing workers.
Meanwhile, the amount of time carriers save on sorting letter mail and flat mail will allow them to increase the size of their routes, which should reduce the need to hire more carriers. In addition, the postal service is adopting more centralized mail delivery, such as the use of cluster mailboxes, to cut down on the number of door-to-door deliveries.
Getting in
How to become a Postal Service Mail Sorter, Processor, and Processing Machine Operator
To enter these occupations, postal service workers typically need no formal educational credential. However, job candidates must pass a written exam as part of the application process. The exam covers four areas: address cross comparison, forms completion, memory and coding, and personal characteristics and experience. For more information, contact the post office or mail processing center where you want to work.
Postal service workers must meet certain employment qualifications. For example, they must be at least 18 years old, or 16 years old with a high school diploma; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; and pass a criminal background check, a medical assessment, and a drug screening. They also may be asked to show that they can lift and handle heavy mail sacks.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
No formal educational credential
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Little or no preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)81.4%
- Less than a High School Diploma12.5%
- Some College Courses6.1%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 81.4% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 12.5% |
| Some College Courses | 6.1% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Postal Service Mail Sorter, Processor, and Processing Machine Operator do?
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 workers sell postage and related products and collect, sort, and deliver mail.
Day-to-day tasks
- Operate various types of equipment, such as computer scanning equipment, addressographs, mimeographs, optical character readers, and bar-code sorters.
- Clear jams in sorting equipment.
- Sort odd-sized mail by hand, sort mail that other workers have been unable to sort, and segregate items requiring special handling.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most postal service workers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Because mail usually is delivered 6 days a week, many postal service workers must work on Saturdays. Some also work on Sundays.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeOn their feet more than half the working day.
Bending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the timeRegular bending or twisting.
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely importantLittle or no dealing with customers or the public.
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Monitoring3.1
- Reading Comprehension3.0
- Speaking3.0
- Critical Thinking3.0
- Active Listening2.9
- Writing2.3
- Active Learning2.1
- Learning Strategies2.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.0 |
| Speaking | 3.0 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.0 |
| Active Listening | 2.9 |
| Writing | 2.3 |
| Active Learning | 2.1 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Coordination3.0
- Operations Monitoring2.9
- Judgment and Decision Making2.9
- Time Management2.9
- Social Perceptiveness2.8
- Operation and Control2.8
- Service Orientation2.5
- Complex Problem Solving2.5
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Coordination | 3.0 |
| Operations Monitoring | 2.9 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.9 |
| Time Management | 2.9 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.8 |
| Operation and Control | 2.8 |
| Service Orientation | 2.5 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 2.5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Data base management system software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Bar coding software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Human resources software
- Inventory management software
- Map creation software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Postal Service Mail Sorter, Processor, and Processing Machine Operator?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Postal Service Mail Sorter, Processor, and Processing Machine Operator |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 5 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 2 |
| Conventional | 6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around organising, following procedures and working precisely with data, combined with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors.
- Conventional5.9
- Realistic4.6
- Social1.8
- Enterprising1.7
- Investigative1.5
- Artistic1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Postal Service Mail Sorter, Processor, and Processing Machine Operator
O*NET related occupations
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Most earn $31K to $55K
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More office and administrative support careers
Median annual pay, with postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators highlighted
- Executive Secretary and Executive Administrative Assistant$76,590
- Postal Service Mail Sorter, Processor, and Processing Machine Operator$58,470
- Legal Secretary and Administrative Assistant$55,570
- Public Safety Telecommunicator$53,040
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerk$50,670
- Human Resources Assistant, Except Payroll and Timekeeping$50,610
- Secretary and Administrative Assistant, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$47,540
- Teller$43,030
- Receptionist and Information Clerk$38,010
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Executive Secretary and Executive Administrative Assistant | $76,590 |
| Postal Service Mail Sorter, Processor, and Processing Machine Operator | $58,470 |
| Legal Secretary and Administrative Assistant | $55,570 |
| Public Safety Telecommunicator | $53,040 |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerk | $50,670 |
| Human Resources Assistant, Except Payroll and Timekeeping | $50,610 |
| Secretary and Administrative Assistant, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | $47,540 |
| Teller | $43,030 |
| Receptionist and Information Clerk | $38,010 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Postal Service Mail Sorter, Processor, and Processing Machine Operator appears on
Questions
Postal Service Mail Sorter, Processor, and Processing Machine Operator: frequently asked questions
How much do Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators make?
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators earn a median of $58,470 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 15% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $28.11/hr. The middle half earn between $48,880 and $75,030. The top 10% earn $75,280 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Postal Service Mail Sorter, Processor, and Processing Machine Operator?
No. BLS lists no formal educational credential as the typical entry requirement for Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as little or no preparation. BLS also lists short-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 81.4% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
Is Postal Service Mail Sorter, Processor, and Processing Machine Operator a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 5.3% over 2025–2035, a loss of 5,300 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 7,300 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Postal Service Mail Sorter, Processor, and Processing Machine Operator do?
Postal service workers sell postage and related products and collect, sort, and deliver mail. A core O*NET task: operate various types of equipment, such as computer scanning equipment, addressographs, mimeographs, optical character readers, and bar-code sorters. Employers most often ask for Data base management system software, Document management software, Electronic mail software.
Which states pay Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators the most?
The highest state medians for Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators are District of Columbia ($66,750), South Dakota ($61,570), Guam ($60,530) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, South Dakota moves to the top at $69,503.
What personality type suits a Postal Service Mail Sorter, Processor, and Processing Machine Operator?
O*NET scores Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators highest on the Conventional and Realistic interest areas, so the work mixes organising, following procedures and working precisely with data with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.