# 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.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 43-9051.00
- **Summary:** 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.

## Aliases

- Mail Clerk
- Mail Handler
- Mail Machine Operator
- Postal Clerk
- Insert Operator
- Inserter Operator
- Mail Processor
- Mail Reader
- Mail Sorter
- Addressing Machine Operator
- Addressograph Operator
- Advertising Inserter

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Wrap packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.ap |
| Weigh packages or letters to determine postage needed, using weighing scales and rate charts. | Supplemental | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing. | Core | 4.A.2.a.3.a |
| Inspect mail machine output for defects and determine how to eliminate causes of any defects. | Supplemental | 4.A.1.b.2.f |
| Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary. | Core | 4.A.2.a.2.b |
| Remove from machines printed materials, such as labeled articles, postmarked envelopes or tape, and folded sheets. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters. | Core | 4.A.4.c.1.e |
| Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities. | Core | 4.A.2.a.4.g |
| Release packages or letters to customers upon presentation of written notices or other identification. | Supplemental | 4.A.1.a.1.q |
| Operate computer-controlled keyboards or voice recognition equipment to direct items according to established routing schemes. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.b.1.e |
| Accept and check containers of mail or parcels from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors. | Core | 4.A.4.c.1.e |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Prepare outgoing mail. | 4.A.4.c.1.e |
| Verify shipping documentation. | 4.A.2.a.3.a |
| Attach identification information to products, items or containers. | 4.A.1.b.1.a |
| Sort mail. | 4.A.2.a.2.b |
| Maintain office equipment in proper operating condition. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Route mail to correct destinations. | 4.A.4.c.1.e |
| Weigh parcels to determine shipping costs. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Analyze shipping information to make routing decisions. | 4.A.2.a.4.g |
| Unload materials or equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Package objects for shipping. | 4.A.3.a.2.ap |
| Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning. | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Read work orders to determine material or setup requirements. | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Send information, materials or documentation. | 4.A.4.c.1.e |
| Inspect items for damage or defects. | 4.A.1.b.2.f |
| Coordinate shipping activities with external parties. | 4.A.4.b.4.j |
| Operate computers or computerized equipment. | 4.A.3.b.1.e |
| Adjust office equipment to ensure proper operation. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Receive shipments. | 4.A.4.c.1.e |
| Obtain written authorization to perform activities. | 4.A.1.a.1.q |
| Explain regulations, policies, or procedures. | 4.A.4.a.1.b |
| Sell products or services. | 4.A.4.a.6.b |
| Collect deposits, payments or fees. | 4.A.4.c.3.d |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Customer and Personal Service | knowledge | 3.85 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.38 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.36 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.25 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 3.12 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.12 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3.12 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.12 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.12 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.12 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 2.97 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 2.88 |
| Writing | essential_skill | 2.88 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Written Expression | ability | 2.88 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 2.88 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 2.88 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 2.88 |
| Static Strength | ability | 2.88 |
| Far Vision | ability | 2.88 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 2.88 |
| Social Perceptiveness | transferable_skill | 2.75 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 2.75 |
| Service Orientation | transferable_skill | 2.62 |
| Control Precision | ability | 2.62 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 2.62 |
| Law and Government | knowledge | 2.55 |
| Education and Training | knowledge | 2.54 |

## Skills

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

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | yes |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | yes |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software | yes | yes |
| Adobe Acrobat | Document management software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Access | Data base user interface and query software | yes | no |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Windows | Operating system software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| Email software | Electronic mail software | no | no |
| Financial accounting software | Accounting software | no | no |
| Postal Explorer | Mailing and shipping software | no | no |
| Recordkeeping software | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Web browser software | Internet browser software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 4.97 |
| Telephone Conversations | 4.86 |
| E-Mail | 4.72 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 4.7 |
| Contact With Others | 4.63 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.49 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.48 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 4.38 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.34 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.29 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 4.25 |
| Time Pressure | 4.11 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 4.1 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4.04 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.98 |
| Physical Proximity | 3.9 |
| Spend Time Standing | 3.84 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.73 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 3.66 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 3.64 |
| Consequence of Error | 3.46 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 3.41 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 3.41 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.39 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 3.26 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 3.2 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 3 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 3 |
| Degree of Automation | 2.96 |
| Level of Competition | 2.96 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.81 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 2.39 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 2.12 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 2.09 |
| Public Speaking | 2.04 |
| Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling | 1.95 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 1.82 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 1.77 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 1.74 |
| Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance | 1.61 |

## 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 |
| --- | --- |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 6.17 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 6.46 |
| Office Work | specific_interest_area | 6.33 |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 4.01 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 3.45 |
| Dependability | work_style | 2.16 |
| Enterprising | career_interest_type | 2.14 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.11 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 2.01 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 1.56 |
| Personal Service | specific_interest_area | 1.46 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 1.32 |
| Human Resources | specific_interest_area | 1.32 |
| Accounting | specific_interest_area | 1.3 |
| Management/Administration | specific_interest_area | 1.26 |
| Integrity | work_style | 1.15 |
| Sales | specific_interest_area | 1.12 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 43-5051.00 | role-43-5051-00 | Postal Service Clerks | Primary-Short |
| 43-5053.00 | role-43-5053-00 | Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators | Primary-Short |
| 43-5071.00 | role-43-5071-00 | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks | Primary-Short |
| 43-5052.00 | role-43-5052-00 | Postal Service Mail Carriers | Primary-Short |
| 43-5021.00 | role-43-5021-00 | Couriers and Messengers | Primary-Short |
| 43-9021.00 | role-43-9021-00 | Data Entry Keyers | Primary-Long |
| 53-7065.00 | role-53-7065-00 | Stockers and Order Fillers | Primary-Long |
| 43-9071.00 | role-43-9071-00 | Office Machine Operators, Except Computer | Primary-Long |
| 53-7062.00 | role-53-7062-00 | Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | Primary-Long |
| 43-4151.00 | role-43-4151-00 | Order Clerks | Primary-Long |
| 43-9061.00 | role-43-9061-00 | Office Clerks, General | Supplemental |
| 43-4071.00 | role-43-4071-00 | File Clerks | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Management & Entrepreneurship | management-entrepreneurship |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs


## Market

- **Median Wage:** 38150
- **Mean Wage:** 40200
- **Pct10Wage:** 29460
- **Pct25Wage:** 34440
- **Pct75Wage:** 44940
- **Pct90Wage:** 52150
- **Employment:** 62730
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 19790 | 36680 | 5.39 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 8440 | 37210 | 1.93 |
| 52 | 52 | Finance and Insurance | Sector | 6160 | 41640 | 2.43 |
| 61 | 61 | Educational Services | Sector | 5020 | 39700 | 0.9 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 4850 | 40990 | 0.93 |
| 51 | 51 | Information | Sector | 4420 | 35370 | 3.74 |
| 513110 | 513110 | Newspaper Publishers | National industry | 3080 | 33650 | 83.53 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 3070 | 38240 | 2.85 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 2410 | 37780 | 0.8 |
| 62 | 62 | Health Care and Social Assistance | Sector | 1930 | 39430 | 0.21 |
| 55 | 55 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | Sector | 1760 | 44990 | 1.54 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 820 | 39570 | 0.33 |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 513110 | 513110 | Newspaper Publishers | National industry | 3080 | 83.53 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 19790 | 5.39 |
| 524114 | 524114 | Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers | National industry | 810 | 4.43 |
| 51 | 51 | Information | Sector | 4420 | 3.74 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 3070 | 2.85 |
| 52 | 52 | Finance and Insurance | Sector | 6160 | 2.43 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 8440 | 1.93 |
| 55 | 55 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | Sector | 1760 | 1.54 |
- **Count:** 26

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.94 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -0.8184676 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -1.03093 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -0.7109466 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 28
- **Percentile:** 26
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 25 | felten_aioe |
| 34 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 24 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -0.8184676 | 25 | 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) | 0.32432432432432434 | 34 | 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) | 0.08334545293035636 | 24 | 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:** 0.94
- **Percentile:** 86
- **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:** yes

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.10810810810810811
- **Beta:** 0.21621621621621623
- **Gamma:** 0.32432432432432434

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -6.6
- **Growth Percentile:** 9
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 6.9
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 55
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 67.4
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 62.9

### 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:** 26
- **Skills:** 41
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 13
- **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:** 7db4a084e61e1366