Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service: Salary Guide 2025
The median salary for Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service, hits $39,280 per year, with the typical range spanning $30,780 to $54,820. Mean hourly pay is about $19. These figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reflect the private-sector positions that handle mail processing outside the U.S. Postal Service.
How much Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service earn
National median annual wage is $39,280, with a mean wage of $41,650. The bottom 10% earn $30,780 or less, while the top 10% bring in $54,820 or more.
Pay varies by industry and location. The highest earners tend to work in specialized mailing services or regions with high cost of living.
- 10th percentile: $30,780
- Median: $39,280
- 90th percentile: $54,820
Pay by state
District of Columbia pays the most, with an average of $49,240. Massachusetts follows at $48,860, then Washington ($46,380), Vermont ($45,380), and Utah ($45,150).
Lowest-paying states include Louisiana ($34,860), Mississippi ($34,350), and Wyoming ($32,940).
How to become Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
This job typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is the norm, lasting a few weeks to a month.
Employers look for attention to detail, basic math, and computer skills. Some roles may require a driver's license for courier tasks. No formal certification or license is needed in most cases.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Apply for entry-level positions at private mailing companies, corporate mailrooms, or shipping centers.
- Receive short-term on-the-job training covering mail sorting, machine operation, and safety.
- Gain proficiency with postage meters, folding/inserting machines, and address verification software.
Job outlook
Employment is projected to decline 6.6% from 2024 to 2034, losing about 3,600 jobs. Automation and digital communication reduce demand. Still, about 6,900 openings per year arise from workers leaving the field.
Currently there are 55,230 jobs nationwide. Best prospects are in specialized mailing services and large corporate mailrooms where complex tasks resist full automation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators in 2025?
The national median salary is $39,280, with a typical range of $30,780 to $54,820. The mean hourly wage is $19.
What education is needed to become a Mail Clerk?
A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Most training is provided on the job and lasts a few weeks.
Is the job outlook positive for Mail Clerks?
No, employment is projected to decline 6.6% over the next decade, though about 6,900 openings per year will occur due to turnover.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service data.