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.
Also called: Annuitant HCA (Annuitant Holiday Clerk Assistant), Bulk Clerk, Bulk Mail Clerk, Bulk Mail Technician, Business Mail Entry Clerk, City Carrier
Median pay
$62,130
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$42,600 – $75,030
People employed
73,720
Holland code
CRE
Conventional · Realistic · Enterprising
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 2.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 3.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 4.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 5.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Postal Service Clerks pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What postal service clerks do
- 01Sell and collect payment for products such as stamps, prepaid mail envelopes, and money orders.
- 02Weigh letters and parcels, compute mailing costs based on type, weight, and destination, and affix correct postage.
- 03Keep money drawers in order, and record and balance daily transactions.
- 04Check mail to ensure correct postage and that packages and letters are in proper condition for mailing.
- 05Register, certify, and insure letters and parcels.
- 06Complete forms regarding changes of address, or theft or loss of mail, or for special services such as registered or priority mail.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Sales and Marketing
- Administrative
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from postal service clerks
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents82% · +56%
- Order Clerks78% · −26%
- Procurement Clerks76% · −19%
- Office Clerks, General76% · −28%
- Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers75% · −6%
Change into postal service clerks
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Order Clerks90% · $46,170
- Cashiers89% · $32,880
- Stockers and Order Fillers87% · $37,330
- Counter and Rental Clerks83% · $41,300
- Billing and Posting Clerks82% · $48,500