FAQ
Postal Clerk FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a postal clerk.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a postal clerk: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about postal clerks
How do I become a postal clerk?
Apply through USPS careers and pass the hiring steps.
Do I need a degree?
No.
Is the job growing?
BLS projects little change.
How much does a postal clerk make?
The median annual wage for postal clerks was $62,130 ($29.87 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $42,600 and the highest 10% earned more than $75,030.
How long does it take to become a postal clerk?
Most people need about A few weeks of training of training. No formal educational credential is required; applicants pass USPS hiring steps.
Do you need a degree to be a postal clerk?
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 postal clerk a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -0.3% from 2025–35 (little or no change), with about 5,300 openings each year. Upsides include federal benefits; a common challenge is that long lines.
What skills does a postal clerk need?
Key technical skills include postal rates, mail classes, cash handling, and package acceptance. Employers also value courtesy, patience, and accuracy.
What certifications are available for postal clerks?
Common credentials include USPS retail training, Customer service training, Hazmat acceptance training, and Cash handling. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Postal Clerk fit quiz, compare with Postal Mail Carrier, or explore Postal Clerk training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 43-5051 (Postal service clerks).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Postal service clerks (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.