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Occupation AtlasMail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service

O*NET · 43-9051.00

Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service

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.

Also called Addressing Machine Operator · Addressograph Operator · Advertising Inserter · Canceling Machine Operator · Dead Mail Checker · Direct Mail Clerk · Distribution Clerk · Envelope Sealer Operator
49 more

Express Clerk · Hand Inserter Operator · Inkjet Operator · Insert Operator · Inserter Operator · Inserting Machine Operator · Mail Associate · Mail Caller · Mail Censor · Mail Clerk · Mail Distributor · Mail Handler · Mail List Processor · Mail Machine Operator · Mail Opener · Mail Processing Clerk · Mail Processor · Mail Reader · Mail Room Clerk · Mail Services Associate · Mail Services Clerk · Mail Sorter · Mail Tech · Mail Technician (Mail Tech) · Mail Weigher · Mailer · Mailer Apprentice · Mailing Clerk · Mailing Equipment Operator · Mailing Jogger · Mailing Machine Assistant · Mailing Machine Helper · Mailing Machine Operator · Mailing Specialist · Mailroom Assistant · Mailroom Associate · Mailroom Clerk · Mailroom Processor · Mailroom Specialist · Office Copy Selector · Packaging Clerk · Parcel Post Clerk · Postal Clerk · Registered Mail Clerk · Sealing Machine Operator · Slot Tag Inserter · Trust Mail Clerk · Warehouse Mail Sorter · Wrong Address Clerk

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code CRE35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CREConventional · Realistic · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional6.46
  • R Realistic4.01
  • E Enterprising2.14
  • S Social2.01
  • I Investigative1.00
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma45%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent48%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree6%
Related work experience
None (93%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (54%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (53%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Monitoringbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Speakingbasic3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Time Management3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Coordination2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Operation and Control2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Active Listeningbasic2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Writingbasic2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Operations Monitoring2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Social Perceptiveness2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
Show the other 23
  • Service Orientation2.61.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Quality Control Analysis2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Active Learningbasic2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Mathematicsbasic2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Complex Problem Solving2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Systems Analysis2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Troubleshooting2.11.4Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Instructing2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Systems Evaluation2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Management of Personnel Resources1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Persuasion1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Equipment Maintenance1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Negotiation1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Management of Financial Resources1.80.9
  • Repairing1.80.9
  • Management of Material Resources1.80.8
  • Equipment Selection1.60.9
  • Programming1.50.5
  • Technology Design1.3—
  • Operations Analysis1.1—
  • Sciencebasic1.1—
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

17 core · 12 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Lift and unload containers of mail or parcels onto equipment for transportation to sortation stations.4.6
  2. Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.4.5
  3. Clear jams in sortation equipment.4.5
  4. Place incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and place identifying tags on sacks or bins.4.4
  5. Release packages or letters to customers upon presentation of written notices or other identification.4.4
  6. Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.4.3
  7. Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.4.3
  8. Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.4.2
  9. Weigh packages or letters to determine postage needed, using weighing scales and rate charts.4.2
  10. Fold letters or circulars and insert them in envelopes.4.2
  11. Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines.4.1
  12. Accept and check containers of mail or parcels from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors.4.0
Show the other 17
  1. Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters.3.9
  2. Add ink, fill paste reservoirs, and change machine ribbons when necessary.3.9
  3. Answer inquiries regarding shipping or mailing policies.3.9
  4. Contact delivery or courier services to arrange delivery of letters and parcels.3.8
  5. Inspect mail machine output for defects and determine how to eliminate causes of any defects.3.6
  6. Read production orders to determine types and sizes of items scheduled for printing and mailing.4.5
  7. Start machines that automatically feed plates, stencils, or tapes through mechanisms, and observe machine operations to detect any malfunctions.4.3
  8. Adjust guides, rollers, loose card inserters, weighing machines, and tying arms, using rules and hand tools.4.3
  9. Remove from machines printed materials, such as labeled articles, postmarked envelopes or tape, and folded sheets.4.1
  10. Stamp dates and times of receipt of incoming mail.4.1
  11. Operate computer-controlled keyboards or voice recognition equipment to direct items according to established routing schemes.4.0
  12. Wrap packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines.3.6
  13. Sell mail products, and accept payment for products and mailing charges.3.5
  14. Mail merchandise samples or promotional literature in response to requests.3.4
  15. Operate embossing machines or typewriters to make corrections, additions, and changes to address plates.3.4
  16. 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.3.3
  17. Use equipment, such as forklifts and automated "trains," to move containers of mail.2.3

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service3.94.2Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language3.42.9
  • Mathematics3.02.2Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Law and Government2.62.0Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Administrative2.52.8
  • Education and Training2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Administration and Management2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Public Safety and Security2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
Show all 33
  • Transportation2.11.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Computers and Electronics2.02.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Communications and Media1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Economics and Accounting1.81.6Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Sales and Marketing1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Telecommunications1.70.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Foreign Language1.60.9Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Production and Processing1.6—
  • Geography1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Psychology1.5—
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.4—
  • Design1.3—
  • Engineering and Technology1.3—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.2—
  • Building and Construction1.1—
  • Chemistry1.1—
  • Mechanical1.1—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.1—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Physics1.1—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.1—
  • Biology1.0—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—
  • History and Archeology1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision3.43.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Oral Comprehension3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Category Flexibility3.12.8Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Finger Dexterity3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Information Ordering3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Manual Dexterity3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Speech Recognition3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Written Comprehension3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
Show all 52
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Deductive Reasoning3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Oral Expression3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Problem Sensitivity3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Far Vision2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Inductive Reasoning2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Perceptual Speed2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Selective Attention2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech Clarity2.92.8
  • Static Strength2.92.8
  • Written Expression2.92.8
  • Trunk Strength2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Control Precision2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Multilimb Coordination2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Flexibility of Closure2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Rate Control2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Extent Flexibility2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Reaction Time2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Time Sharing2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Visualization2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Depth Perception2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Dynamic Strength2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Memorization2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Number Facility2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Response Orientation2.11.5Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Speed of Closure2.12.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Stamina2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Auditory Attention2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Fluency of Ideas2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Gross Body Coordination2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Originality2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Explosive Strength1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Spatial Orientation1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Peripheral Vision1.50.8
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.40.5
  • Night Vision1.3—
  • Sound Localization1.3—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.1—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Handling and Moving Objects3.74.6Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.72.9
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.62.0Level 1 looks like: Write brief messages to others
  • Getting Information3.62.1Level 1 looks like: Follow a standard blueprint
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.52.7
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.42.4Level 1 looks like: Test an automobile transmission
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.42.8
  • Processing Information3.32.6
Show all 41
  • Working with Computers3.32.6
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.23.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.12.1Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.12.1Level 1 looks like: Determine the meal selection for a cafeteria
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.02.7
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.02.4Level 1 looks like: Check to see if baking bread is done
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.92.3Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.91.9Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work2.91.8Level 1 looks like: Organize a work schedule that is repetitive and easy to plan
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.91.9Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.92.5Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards2.81.5Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
  • Thinking Creatively2.82.2Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Training and Teaching Others2.82.2Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge2.81.9Level 1 looks like: Keep up with price changes in a small retail store
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.72.1Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Documenting/Recording Information2.61.5Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.62.0Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.61.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.51.7Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.41.4Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.41.6Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.41.2Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.30.9Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Developing and Building Teams2.31.4Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.21.2Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.11.3Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.11.1Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Scheduling Work and Activities1.70.5Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.60.6Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled5.0
  • Telephone Conversations4.9
  • E-Mail4.7
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.7
  • Contact With Others4.6
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.5
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.5
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.4
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks4.3
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.3

Technology

13 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (3)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot

Hot (5; 3 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (5)
  • Email software
  • Financial accounting software
  • Postal Explorer
  • Recordkeeping software
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Postal Service Clerks
  2. Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
  3. Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
  4. Postal Service Mail Carriers
  5. Couriers and Messengers
  6. Data Entry Keyers
  7. Stockers and Order Fillers
  8. Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
  9. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
  10. Order Clerks

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database 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. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.