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.
SOC: 43-5051.00
Common Job Titles
Clerk
Postal Clerk
Sales and Service Associate (SSA)
Window Clerk
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeEvaluate mail items for correct postage and regulatory compliance using postal regulations and rate charts, under time constraints during peak service hours.
Proficient
MindsetEngage diverse customers seeking postal services at service windows, maintaining professionalism while addressing varied inquiries and requests.
Developing
Hands-onOperate barcode scanners, postage meters, and automated mail sorting equipment following established USPS procedures to process high volumes of mail efficiently.
Developing
KnowledgeApply postal rate calculations and money order transaction procedures using point of sale systems while ensuring accurate financial transactions.
Developing
Hands-onHandle letters, parcels, and postal materials sorting into pigeon holes and mail bags while maintaining speed and accuracy standards.
Developing
MindsetRespect customer confidentiality and privacy concerns when processing sensitive mail and personal information in public-facing service areas.
Developing
KnowledgeInterpret postal regulations, delivery restrictions, and service options to provide accurate guidance to customers with varied shipping needs.
Developing
KnowledgeMonitor inventory levels of postage stamps, postal cards, and retail supplies using inventory tracking software to maintain adequate stock in post office retail areas.
Developing
MindsetParticipate in conflict resolution with dissatisfied customers applying USPS customer service protocols while balancing policy compliance and customer satisfaction.
Developing
KnowledgeExplain postal service options, pricing structures, and delivery timelines to customers with varying levels of familiarity with USPS services.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Postal Service Clerks (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
78,060
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $42,600. 25th percentile: U.S. $55,410. 50th percentile: U.S. $61,630. 75th percentile: U.S. $74,050. 90th percentile: U.S. $74,050. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$42,600
10% of workers earn the following or more
$74,050
Workers on average earn
$61,070
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
English Language3.4/5
Mathematics3.4/5
Sales and Marketing3.0/5
Administrative3.0/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
