# Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators

> 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.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 43-5053.00
- **Summary:** 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.

## Aliases

- Automation Clerk
- Distribution Clerk
- Mail Handler
- Mail Processor
- Computer Forwarding System Markup Clerk (CFS Markup Clerk)
- Flat Sorting Machine Clerk (FSM Clerk)
- Mail Handler Equipment Operator
- Mail Processing Clerk
- Parcel Post Distribution Machine Operator (PDPMO)
- Small Package and Bundle Sorter Clerk (SPBS Clerk)
- Assorter
- Dead Mail Checker

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Direct items according to established routing schemes, using computer-controlled keyboards or voice-recognition equipment. | Supplemental | 4.A.4.c.1.e |
| 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. | Supplemental | 4.A.2.a.3.a |
| Clear jams in sorting equipment. | Core | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Bundle, label, and route sorted mail to designated areas, depending on destinations and according to established procedures and deadlines. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.ap |
| Operate various types of equipment, such as computer scanning equipment, addressographs, mimeographs, optical character readers, and bar-code sorters. | Core | 4.A.3.b.1.e |
| Move containers of mail, using equipment, such as forklifts and automated "trains". | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Open and label mail containers. | Supplemental | 4.A.1.b.1.a |
| Load and unload mail trucks, sometimes lifting containers of mail onto equipment that transports items to sorting stations. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Distribute incoming mail into the correct boxes or pigeonholes. | Supplemental | 4.A.4.c.3.c |
| Sort odd-sized mail by hand, sort mail that other workers have been unable to sort, and segregate items requiring special handling. | Core | 4.A.2.a.2.b |
| Rewrap soiled or broken parcels. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.ap |
| Train new workers. | Supplemental | 4.A.4.b.3.d |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Route mail to correct destinations. | 4.A.4.c.1.e |
| Package objects for shipping. | 4.A.3.a.2.ap |
| Train personnel. | 4.A.4.b.3.d |
| Distribute incoming mail. | 4.A.4.c.3.c |
| Operate computers or computerized equipment. | 4.A.3.b.1.e |
| Obtain personal or financial information about customers or applicants. | 4.A.1.a.1.n |
| Maintain office equipment in proper operating condition. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Verify shipping documentation. | 4.A.2.a.3.a |
| Attach identification information to products, items or containers. | 4.A.1.b.1.a |
| Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment. | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Sort mail. | 4.A.2.a.2.b |
| Load materials or equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Unload materials or equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Prepare outgoing mail. | 4.A.4.c.1.e |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.75 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.38 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 3.12 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.12 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3.12 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.12 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.12 |
| Static Strength | ability | 3.12 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.04 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 3 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 2.88 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 2.88 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 2.88 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 2.88 |
| Control Precision | ability | 2.88 |
| Extent Flexibility | ability | 2.88 |
| Social Perceptiveness | transferable_skill | 2.75 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 2.75 |
| Far Vision | ability | 2.62 |
| Service Orientation | transferable_skill | 2.5 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 2.5 |
| Written Expression | ability | 2.5 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 2.5 |
| Production and Processing | knowledge | 2.46 |
| Customer and Personal Service | knowledge | 2.4 |

## Skills

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

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software | yes | no |
| Microsoft SharePoint | Document management software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| SAP software | Enterprise resource planning ERP software | yes | no |
| Teradata Database | Data base management system software | yes | no |
| Address Management System AMS | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Automated Package Processing System APPS | Inventory management software | no | no |
| Barcode reader software | Bar coding software | no | no |
| Delivery operations information system DOIS | Enterprise resource planning ERP software | no | no |
| Delivery Routing System DRS | Map creation software | no | no |
| Directory software | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Electronic Time Clock ETC | Time accounting software | no | no |
| Multi-line optical character reader OCR software | Optical character reader OCR or scanning 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 |
| --- | --- |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 4.99 |
| Time Pressure | 4.69 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 4.54 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.51 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.4 |
| Spend Time Standing | 4.31 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.25 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.11 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.04 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.04 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 3.93 |
| Contact With Others | 3.8 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 3.75 |
| Degree of Automation | 3.73 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 3.66 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.66 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 3.6 |
| Physical Proximity | 3.5 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 3.43 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 3.36 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 3.24 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 3.11 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.1 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.09 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.02 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.95 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 2.6 |
| Level of Competition | 2.57 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 2.55 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 2.51 |
| Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling | 2.49 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 2.45 |
| Consequence of Error | 2.33 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 2.16 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 2.09 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 2.02 |
| Telephone Conversations | 1.93 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 1.85 |
| Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance | 1.78 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 1.77 |

## 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 | 81.39 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 12.48 |
| Some College Courses | 6.14 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 5.91 |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 4.6 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 3.57 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 2.97 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.41 |
| Dependability | work_style | 2.27 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 2.25 |
| Office Work | specific_interest_area | 2.24 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 1.83 |
| Enterprising | career_interest_type | 1.66 |
| Accounting | specific_interest_area | 1.62 |
| Information Technology | specific_interest_area | 1.59 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 1.57 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 1.54 |
| Integrity | work_style | 1.37 |
| Management/Administration | specific_interest_area | 1.26 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 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 |
| 43-5051.00 | role-43-5051-00 | Postal Service Clerks | Primary-Short |
| 53-7065.00 | role-53-7065-00 | Stockers and Order Fillers | Primary-Short |
| 43-9071.00 | role-43-9071-00 | Office Machine Operators, Except Computer | Primary-Short |
| 43-5111.00 | role-43-5111-00 | Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping | Primary-Long |
| 43-9021.00 | role-43-9021-00 | Data Entry Keyers | Primary-Long |
| 53-7062.00 | role-53-7062-00 | Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | Primary-Long |
| 53-7062.04 | role-53-7062-04 | Recycling and Reclamation Workers | Primary-Long |
| 43-4071.00 | role-43-4071-00 | File Clerks | Primary-Long |
| 53-7064.00 | role-53-7064-00 | Packers and Packagers, Hand | Supplemental |
| 11-9131.00 | role-11-9131-00 | Postmasters and Mail Superintendents | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

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

## Education Level

- **Category:** No formal educational credential

## Study Programs


## Market

- **Median Wage:** 56530
- **Mean Wage:** 58310
- **Pct10Wage:** 42600
- **Pct25Wage:** 47380
- **Pct75Wage:** 72970
- **Pct90Wage:** 74050
- **Employment:** 111930
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 111920 | 56530 | 20.86 |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 111920 | 20.86 |
- **Count:** 1

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.79 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -1.185001 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -1.586222 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.007248 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 13
- **Percentile:** 9
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 11 | felten_aioe |
| 14 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 14 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -1.185001 | 11 | Low | 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) | 0.1 | 14 | Low | 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) | 0.05950780309663656 | 14 | Low | 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:** 0.79
- **Percentile:** 64
- **Band:** Moderate
- **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:** 0.1
- **Beta:** 0.1
- **Gamma:** 0.1

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -8.4
- **Growth Percentile:** 7
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 7.8
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 57
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 106.4
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 97.5

### 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:** 14
- **Skills:** 35
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 17
- **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:** 2b6b7a6fd93287fd