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What does an inserter do?

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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Inserter responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real inserter resumes:

  • Arrange all newspapers schedule for distribution are correctly stack, align and secure on pallets for delivery.
  • Insert newspaper adds into a machine feeder and load newspapers on pallets to be carry out onto the trucks.
  • Bundle newspapers together for delivery drivers when finish inserting store ads.
  • End of the line sorting and bundling.
  • Monitor press machines as they run.
  • Stuff pillows and cushions for furniture production line.
  • Jog and feed insert into hopper on inserting unit.
  • Operate stackers to insure are count correctly for delivery.
  • Perform different printing press operations using stackers, feeders, and strappers.
  • Insert mail into machine, then run the machine which put mail into envelope.
  • Fed the pocket on the stitching machine and quality control books as they come along the belt.
  • Work as part of a team having responsibility for stuffing by hand material fiber into patio cushions.
  • Insert papers into hopper machines, catch paper runs from conveyor belt, clean mailroom, work on machines, computer work
  • Operate machine to insert advertisements into newspapers and prepare them for delivery.
  • Grab handful of newspaper jog it on vibrating table for easy insert at a fast pace and rotate to next machine.

Inserter skills and personality traits

We calculated that 30% of Inserters are proficient in Pallets, Newspapers, and Mailroom.

We break down the percentage of Inserters that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Pallets, 30%

    Prepared and wrapped pallets to be sent onto the docks and was also forklift certified during my tenure at the job.

  • Newspapers, 22%

    Operated machine to insert advertisements into newspapers and prepared them for delivery.

  • Mailroom, 11%

    Performance-based promotion to Mailroom supervisor in 1998.

  • Pallet Jack, 10%

    Maintain fast and organized work area Clean Work Area Run Pallet Jacks Ensure all products get out Target

  • Insert Machine, 7%

    Assist insert machine operator with equipment and loading hoppers.

  • Bundling, 6%

    End of the line sorting and bundling.

"pallets," "newspapers," and "mailroom" are among the most common skills that inserters use at work. You can find even more inserter responsibilities below, including:

See the full list of inserter skills

The three companies that hire the most inserters are:

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Compare different inserters

Inserter vs. Notary public

An escrow assistant is responsible for providing administrative services to real estate businesses, assisting the agents on coordinating with clients, and processing their documents. Escrow assistants review proposals and usually talk with clients for the service terms and disclosures. They also handle payment transfers, update client records on the database, and respond to the client's inquiries for related service alternatives. An escrow assistant must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral, especially on maintaining an organized record of transactions and storing sales documents.

We looked at the average inserter salary and compared it with the wages of a notary public. Generally speaking, notary publics are paid $1,352 higher than inserters per year.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an inserter are more likely to require skills like "pallets," "newspapers," "osha," and "mailroom." On the other hand, a job as a notary public requires skills like "affidavits," "expiration dates," "notary," and "administer oaths." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

On average, notary publics reach higher levels of education than inserters. Notary publics are 5.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 2.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Inserter vs. Escrow assistant

Escrow assistant positions earn lower pay than inserter roles. They earn a $3,967 lower salary than inserters per year.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, inserter responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "pallets," "newspapers," "osha," and "mailroom." Meanwhile, an escrow assistant has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "strong customer service," "hoa," and "loan packages." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

In general, escrow assistants achieve similar levels of education than inserters. They're 1.8% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 2.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Inserter vs. Career guidance technician

On average, career guidance technicians earn higher salaries than inserters, with a $573 difference per year.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an inserter is likely to be skilled in "pallets," "newspapers," "osha," and "mailroom," while a typical career guidance technician is skilled in "attendance issues," "cte," "student schedules," and "source material."

Career guidance technicians typically earn higher educational levels compared to inserters. Specifically, they're 13.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Inserter vs. Advertising assistant

Advertising assistants average a lower salary than the annual salary of inserters. The difference is about $19,799 per year.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between inserters and advertising assistants, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an inserter might have more use for skills like "pallets," "newspapers," "osha," and "mailroom." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of advertising assistants require skills like "account executives," "press releases," "graphic design," and "real estate. "

In general, advertising assistants hold similar degree levels compared to inserters. Advertising assistants are 2.4% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of inserter

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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