Postal Service Clerks

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Office & Administrative
• O*NET-SOC code: 43-5051
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Weigh letters and parcels, compute mailing costs based on type, weight, and destination, and affix correct postage.
• Check mail to ensure correct postage and that packages and letters are in proper condition for mailing.
• Sort incoming and outgoing mail, according to type and destination, by hand or by operating electronic mail-sorting and scanning devices.
• Obtain signatures from recipients of registered or special delivery mail.
• Answer questions regarding mail regulations and procedures, postage rates, and post office boxes.
• Transport mail from one work station to another.
• Sell and collect payment for products such as stamps, prepaid mail envelopes, and money orders.
• Keep money drawers in order, and record and balance daily transactions.
• Register, certify, and insure letters and parcels.
• Complete forms regarding changes of address, or theft or loss of mail, or for special services such as registered or priority mail.
• Receive letters and parcels, and place mail into bags.
• Put undelivered parcels away, retrieve them when customers come to claim them, and complete any related documentation.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Windows, Automated mail processing equipment, Barcode scanners, Barcode sorters, Bin stackers, Budgeting software, Delivery operations information system DOIS, Doubles detectors, Electronic Time Clock ETC, Electronic mail sorting devices, General purpose mail containers, Hand stamps

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Postal Service Mail Carriers
• Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
• Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
• Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
• Postmasters and Mail Superintendents
• Couriers and Messengers
• Order Clerks
• Cargo and Freight Agents

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Postal Service Clerks — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.