Postal service clerks
SOC Code: 43-5051
Postal service clerks carries a 64% AI exposure score (Very High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $61,630 and -3.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 74,200 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
Postal service clerks (SOC 43-5051) carries an AI exposure score of 64%, placing it in the Very 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 74,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -3.5% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $61,630, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, 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 Postal service clerks. 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. Sell and collect payment for products such as stamps, prepaid mail envelopes, and money orders.
- 2. Weigh letters and parcels, compute mailing costs based on type, weight, and destination, and affix correct postage.
- 3. Keep money drawers in order, and record and balance daily transactions.
- 4. Check mail to ensure correct postage and that packages and letters are in proper condition for mailing.
- 5. Register, certify, and insure letters and parcels.
- 6. Complete forms regarding changes of address, or theft or loss of mail, or for special services such as registered or priority mail.
- 7. Sort incoming and outgoing mail, according to type and destination, by hand or by operating electronic mail-sorting and scanning devices.
- 8. Receive letters and parcels, and place mail into bags.
- 9. Put undelivered parcels away, retrieve them when customers come to claim them, and complete any related documentation.
- 10. Obtain signatures from recipients of registered or special delivery mail.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Service Orientation
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Time Management
- Writing
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Sales and Marketing
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
- Transportation
- Administration and Management
- Public Safety and Security
- Production and Processing
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Postal service clerks?
Postal service clerks has an AI exposure score of 64%, indicating a very 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 Postal service clerks?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Postal service clerks is projected to decline by 3.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 74,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Postal service clerks?
Key skills for Postal service clerks include Active Listening, Speaking, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Postal service clerks earn?
The median annual wage for Postal service clerks is $61,630, 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 Postal service clerks?
The typical entry-level education for Postal service clerks is No formal educational credential. 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 Postal service clerks?
Postal service clerks 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
Very High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A majority of tasks in this occupation are susceptible to AI automation.
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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).