FAQ
Mail Sorter FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a mail sorter.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a mail sorter: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about mail sorters
Is the job declining?
BLS projects decline.
Are shifts at night?
Many are.
Do I need a degree?
No.
How much does a mail sorter make?
The median annual wage for mail sorters was $58,470 ($28.11 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $45,530 and the highest 10% earned more than $75,280.
How long does it take to become a mail sorter?
Most people need about A few weeks of training of training. No formal educational credential is required.
Do you need a degree to be a mail sorter?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Is mail sorter a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -5.3% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 7,300 openings each year. Upsides include federal benefits; a common challenge is that declining employment.
What skills does a mail sorter need?
Key technical skills include machine loading, sweeping, package handling, and scanning. Employers also value reliability, speed, and stamina.
What certifications are available for mail sorters?
Common credentials include USPS training, Powered equipment training, Safety training, and Forklift certification. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Mail Sorter fit quiz, compare with Postal Clerk, or explore Mail Sorter training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 43-5053 (Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators (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.