Mail Clerks
Description OES Code: 57302
Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution. Duties include time stamping, opening, reading, sorting, and routing incoming mail; sealing, stamping, and affixing postage to outgoing mail or packages; and keeping necessary records and completed forms.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $7.24
25th Percentile $8.08
50th Percentile $10.19
75th Percentile $12.77

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $7.66
25th Percentile $8.04
50th Percentile $9.55
75th Percentile $11.29

Wages by California County
OES Survey
CCOIS Survey

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 12,000
Projected Employment 2008 14,500
Percent Change 1998-2008 20.8%
Separations 1998-2008 3,100

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 100
Projected Employment 2006 120
Percent Change 1999-2006 20%
Separations 1999-2006 20

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Mail clerks often spend long hours on their feet, and sometimes have to lift and carry packages.

Advancement
For those who stand out as a reliable, efficient, and energetic employee, the mail room is a place gain the experience needed to advance. A high school diploma is required in order to take the entrance exam for the U.S. postal service, and is almost always necessary in order for mail clerks to advance within companies in the private sector.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.


Education and Training
Mail clerk is an entry level position that provides an oportunity for people without much work experience. Some employers require a high school diploma. Some postions require a valid driver’s licence, so the clerk can make deliveries.

Skills & Other Requirements
Efficiency and a high energy level are required, as is the ability to operate machines that collate, fold, and insert letters into envelopes, or meters that place postage on mail. Increasingly, they need the ability to use computers to keep records and perform other varied tasks. Other necessary skills and abilities may include: Industry terms/concepts; Apply Intermediate business math (bookkeeping & budgeting); Interpersonal communication techniques; Apply post office procedures; Distribute incoming mail within organization; Follow/give instructions; Keep records & maintain files; Operate business machines; Operate delivery vehicles; Organize & work with detailed office or warehouse records; Perform bookkeeping functions in support of major job duties; Perform multiple tasks simultaneously; Possess concept for detail in sorting & delivering mail; Process/prepare business/government forms; Provide customer service in postal/mail service setting; Sell merchandise; Understand postal service regulations; Use alpha/numeric mail sorting systems; Use computer; Use computer keyboard; Use spreadsheet software.

References
Oregon Labor Market Information System Occupational Information Center

Related Occupations: Postal Service Clerks, Postal Mail Carriers

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)