# 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.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 43-5051.00
- **Summary:** 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.

## Aliases

- Clerk
- Postal Clerk
- Sales and Service Associate (SSA)
- Window Clerk
- Bulk Mail Technician
- Distribution Clerk
- Part Time Flexible Clerk (PTF Clerk)
- Sales and Distribution Clerk
- Annuitant HCA (Annuitant Holiday Clerk Assistant)
- Bulk Clerk
- Bulk Mail Clerk
- Business Mail Entry Clerk

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sell and collect payment for products such as stamps, prepaid mail envelopes, and money orders. | Supplemental | 4.A.4.a.6.b |
| Weigh letters and parcels, compute mailing costs based on type, weight, and destination, and affix correct postage. | Core | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Keep money drawers in order, and record and balance daily transactions. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.b.6.j |
| Check mail to ensure correct postage and that packages and letters are in proper condition for mailing. | Core | 4.A.2.a.3.a |
| Register, certify, and insure letters and parcels. | Supplemental | 4.A.4.c.1.c |
| Complete forms regarding changes of address, or theft or loss of mail, or for special services such as registered or priority mail. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.b.6.m |
| Sort incoming and outgoing mail, according to type and destination, by hand or by operating electronic mail-sorting and scanning devices. | Core | 4.A.2.a.2.b |
| Put undelivered parcels away, retrieve them when customers come to claim them, and complete any related documentation. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.ak |
| Receive letters and parcels, and place mail into bags. | Supplemental | 4.A.4.c.1.e |
| Obtain signatures from recipients of registered or special delivery mail. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.q |
| Respond to complaints regarding mail theft, delivery problems, and lost or damaged mail, filling out forms and making appropriate referrals for investigation. | Supplemental | 4.A.4.a.5.a |
| Answer questions regarding mail regulations and procedures, postage rates, and post office boxes. | Core | 4.A.4.a.1.b |

## Emerging Tasks

| Text |
| --- |
| Stock lobby with retail merchandise. |

## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Maintain financial or account records. | 4.A.3.b.6.j |
| Weigh parcels to determine shipping costs. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Calculate shipping costs. | 4.A.2.b.1.a |
| Obtain written authorization to perform activities. | 4.A.1.a.1.q |
| Arrange insurance coverage. | 4.A.4.c.1.c |
| Prepare outgoing mail. | 4.A.4.c.1.e |
| Sell products or services. | 4.A.4.a.6.b |
| Collect deposits, payments or fees. | 4.A.4.c.3.d |
| Verify shipping documentation. | 4.A.2.a.3.a |
| Explain regulations, policies, or procedures. | 4.A.4.a.1.b |
| Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance. | 4.A.3.b.6.m |
| Assist individuals with paperwork. | 4.A.4.a.5.h |
| Sort mail. | 4.A.2.a.2.b |
| Execute sales or other financial transactions. | 4.A.4.c.1.c |
| Store items. | 4.A.3.a.2.ak |
| Refer customers to appropriate personnel. | 4.A.4.a.5.a |
| Respond to customer problems or complaints. | 4.A.4.a.8.c |
| Receive shipments. | 4.A.4.c.1.e |
| Load materials or equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Deliver items. | 4.A.3.a.1.j |
| Order materials, supplies, or equipment. | 4.A.4.c.3.e |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 4 |
| Customer and Personal Service | knowledge | 3.96 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.88 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.5 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.4 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3.38 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 3.38 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.38 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3.38 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 3.35 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3.25 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Service Orientation | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.12 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.12 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3.12 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.12 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 3.12 |
| Sales and Marketing | knowledge | 3.03 |
| Administrative | knowledge | 3.02 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3 |
| Social Perceptiveness | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Computers and Electronics | knowledge | 3 |
| Transportation | knowledge | 3 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3 |
| Mathematical Reasoning | ability | 3 |
| Number Facility | ability | 3 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3 |
| Administration and Management | knowledge | 2.94 |
| Public Safety and Security | knowledge | 2.92 |
| Writing | essential_skill | 2.88 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Written Expression | ability | 2.88 |
| Far Vision | ability | 2.88 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Windows | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Accounting Software | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Windows | Operating system software | yes | no |
| Budgeting software | Accounting software | no | no |
| Delivery operations information system DOIS | Enterprise resource planning ERP software | no | no |
| Electronic Time Clock ETC | Time accounting software | no | no |
| Inventory tracking software | Inventory management software | no | no |
| NCR Advanced Store | Point of sale POS software | no | no |
| Time and Attendance Collection System TACS | Human resources software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Contact With Others | 4.61 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 4.44 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 4.43 |
| Spend Time Standing | 4.34 |
| Physical Proximity | 4.28 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.28 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.06 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.97 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 3.96 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.96 |
| Telephone Conversations | 3.89 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 3.86 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 3.8 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 3.73 |
| Time Pressure | 3.67 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.58 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 3.48 |
| Conflict Situations | 3.45 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 3.34 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 3.19 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 3.13 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 2.98 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 2.96 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 2.91 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 2.83 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 2.71 |
| E-Mail | 2.69 |
| Degree of Automation | 2.57 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 2.55 |
| Consequence of Error | 2.28 |
| Level of Competition | 2.17 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 2.16 |
| Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People | 2.1 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 2.07 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 2.07 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 2.05 |
| Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling | 2.04 |
| Public Speaking | 1.92 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 1.84 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 67.56 |
| Some College Courses | 17.88 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 7.76 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 6.8 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 6.55 |
| Office Work | specific_interest_area | 6.32 |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 3.21 |
| Enterprising | career_interest_type | 2.71 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 2.57 |
| Dependability | work_style | 2.46 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.41 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 2.35 |
| Sales | specific_interest_area | 2.34 |
| Personal Service | specific_interest_area | 2.17 |
| Accounting | specific_interest_area | 2.07 |
| Integrity | work_style | 1.99 |
| Cooperation | work_style | 1.57 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 1.56 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 1.56 |
| Information Technology | specific_interest_area | 1.53 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 43-5052.00 | role-43-5052-00 | Postal Service Mail Carriers | Primary-Short |
| 43-9051.00 | role-43-9051-00 | Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | Primary-Short |
| 43-5071.00 | role-43-5071-00 | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks | Primary-Short |
| 43-5053.00 | role-43-5053-00 | Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators | Primary-Short |
| 11-9131.00 | role-11-9131-00 | Postmasters and Mail Superintendents | Primary-Short |
| 43-5021.00 | role-43-5021-00 | Couriers and Messengers | Primary-Long |
| 43-4151.00 | role-43-4151-00 | Order Clerks | Primary-Long |
| 43-5011.00 | role-43-5011-00 | Cargo and Freight Agents | Primary-Long |
| 53-7065.00 | role-53-7065-00 | Stockers and Order Fillers | Primary-Long |
| 43-9061.00 | role-43-9061-00 | Office Clerks, General | Primary-Long |
| 43-5011.01 | role-43-5011-01 | Freight Forwarders | Supplemental |
| 43-3021.00 | role-43-3021-00 | Billing and Posting Clerks | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Public Service & Safety | public-service-safety |

## Education Level

- **Category:** No formal educational credential

## Study Programs


## Market

- **Median Wage:** 61630
- **Mean Wage:** 61070
- **Pct10Wage:** 42600
- **Pct25Wage:** 55410
- **Pct75Wage:** 74050
- **Pct90Wage:** 74050
- **Employment:** 78060
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 78060 | 61630 | 20.86 |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 78060 | 20.86 |
- **Count:** 1

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.95 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -0.5186997 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -1.295399 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -0.283523 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 50
- **Percentile:** 50
- **Band:** Moderate
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 34 | felten_aioe |
| 43 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 74 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -0.5186997 | 34 | Moderate | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.48148148148148145 | 43 | Moderate | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.21884113333305993 | 74 | High | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.95
- **Percentile:** 89
- **Band:** High
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.14814814814814814
- **Beta:** 0.31481481481481477
- **Gamma:** 0.48148148148148145

### Usage Tasks

| Task | Usage Percent | Importance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Answer questions regarding mail regulations and procedures, postage rates, and post office boxes. | 0.0020541557625231607 | 4.28 |
- **Usage Release:** 2026-01-15-v4-plus-2025-03-27-v2

### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -3.5
- **Growth Percentile:** 15
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 6.1
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 53
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 74.2
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 71.6

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 19
- **Skills:** 33
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 7
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 7f33907613108e5d