Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service
SOC Code: 43-9051
Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service carries a 49% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $38,150 and -6.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 67,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service (SOC 43-9051) carries an AI exposure score of 49%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 67,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -6.6% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $38,150, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Wrap packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines.
- 2. Weigh packages or letters to determine postage needed, using weighing scales and rate charts.
- 3. Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.
- 4. Inspect mail machine output for defects and determine how to eliminate causes of any defects.
- 5. Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.
- 6. Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.
- 7. Remove from machines printed materials, such as labeled articles, postmarked envelopes or tape, and folded sheets.
- 8. Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters.
- 9. Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.
- 10. Release packages or letters to customers upon presentation of written notices or other identification.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Time Management
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Coordination
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Law and Government
- Education and Training
- Administrative
- Administration and Management
- Public Safety and Security
- Transportation
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service?
Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service has an AI exposure score of 49%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service is projected to decline by 6.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 67,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service?
Key skills for Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service include Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service earn?
The median annual wage for Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service is $38,150, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service?
The typical entry-level education for Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service?
Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).