FAQ
Mail Clerk FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a mail clerk.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a mail clerk: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about mail clerks
Is the job declining?
BLS projects decline as mail volume falls.
Do mail clerks need a degree?
No.
Is lifting required?
Usually, yes.
How much does a mail clerk make?
The median annual wage for mail clerks was $39,280 ($18.89 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $30,780 and the highest 10% earned more than $54,820.
How long does it take to become a mail clerk?
Most people need about A few weeks on the job of training. A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a mail clerk?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Is mail clerk a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -7.2% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 4,700 openings each year. Upsides include short training; a common challenge is that declining employment.
What skills does a mail clerk need?
Key technical skills include mail sorting, postage meters, inserting machines, and package tracking. Employers also value reliability, organization, and accuracy.
What certifications are available for mail clerks?
Common credentials include USPS bulk mail training, Mailpiece Design Professional, Forklift certification, and Safety training. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Mail Clerk fit quiz, compare with Postal Clerk, or explore Mail Clerk training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 43-9051 (Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.