Occupation

Postal Service Clerks

Human Advantage 68%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
4.5 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

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.

Also Known As: Annuitant HCA (Annuitant Holiday Clerk Assistant), Bulk Clerk, Bulk Mail Clerk, Bulk Mail Technician, Business Mail Entry Clerk, City Carrier, City Carrier Assistant (CCA), Clerk +30 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Weigh letters and parcels, compute mailing costs based on type, weight, and destination, and affix correct postage.
  2. Check mail to ensure correct postage and that packages and letters are in proper condition for mailing.
  3. Sort incoming and outgoing mail, according to type and destination, by hand or by operating electronic mail-sorting and scanning devices.
  4. Obtain signatures from recipients of registered or special delivery mail.
  5. Answer questions regarding mail regulations and procedures, postage rates, and post office boxes.
  6. Transport mail from one work station to another.

Supplemental Tasks (13)

  1. Sell and collect payment for products such as stamps, prepaid mail envelopes, and money orders.
  2. Keep money drawers in order, and record and balance daily transactions.
  3. Register, certify, and insure letters and parcels.
  4. Complete forms regarding changes of address, or theft or loss of mail, or for special services such as registered or priority mail.
  5. Receive letters and parcels, and place mail into bags.
  6. Put undelivered parcels away, retrieve them when customers come to claim them, and complete any related documentation.
  7. Respond to complaints regarding mail theft, delivery problems, and lost or damaged mail, filling out forms and making appropriate referrals for investigation.
  8. Provide assistance to the public in complying with federal regulations of Postal Service and other federal agencies.
  9. Rent post office boxes to customers.
  10. Provide customers with assistance in filing claims for mail theft, or lost or damaged mail.
  11. Feed mail into postage canceling devices or hand stamp mail to cancel postage.
  12. Cash money orders.
  13. Order retail items and other supplies for office use.

Emerging Tasks

New and evolving responsibilities for this role:

  • Stock lobby with retail merchandise.

Education & Training

Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
68%
Some College Courses
18%
Less than a High School Diploma
8%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
7%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Microsoft Windows

Software (8)

  • Budgeting software
  • Delivery operations information system DOIS
  • Electronic Time Clock ETC
  • Inventory tracking software
  • NCR Advanced Store
  • Point of sale POS software
  • Time and Attendance Collection System TACS

Tools & Equipment (22)

  • Automated mail processing equipment
  • Barcode scanners
  • Barcode sorters
  • Bin stackers
  • Doubles detectors
  • Electronic mail sorting devices
  • General purpose mail containers
  • Hand stamps
  • Hand trucks
  • Mail bags
  • Mail scales
  • Mail transport carts
  • Money drawers
  • Optical character readers
  • Packaging tape dispensers
  • Point of sale workstations
  • Postage meters
  • Security device removers
  • Security devices
  • Sorting machines
  • Stamp cancelers
  • Warehouse dollies

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Local, State, & Federal Services Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 2
Postal Service Clerks You are here
Zone 3
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators 76% match
Zone 4
Loss Prevention Managers 77% match
Zone 5
Archivists 74% match

Resume Builder

Select key tasks to generate action-oriented resume bullets for Postal Service Clerks positions.

Related Occupations

Compare skills gap with any of these related roles.

Postal Service Mail CarriersClosely Related Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal ServiceClosely Related Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory ClerksClosely Related Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine OperatorsClosely Related Postmasters and Mail SuperintendentsClosely Related Couriers and Messengers Order Clerks Cargo and Freight Agents
Show all 20 related occupations
Stockers and Order Fillers Office Clerks, General Billing and Posting Clerks Counter and Rental Clerks Freight Forwarders Light Truck Drivers Procurement Clerks Cashiers Tellers File Clerks Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks

Real Talk

Hear from real Postal Service Clerkss about their work:

Reddit Day-in-the-life discussions Reddit Salary discussions YouTube Video day-in-the-life Glassdoor Reviews & salaries