Post job

What does a mail processing clerk do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
On this page

Mail processing clerk responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real mail processing clerk resumes:

  • Extract and sort payments on the OPEX machine according to transaction type.
  • Open, sort and scan mail into the OPEX system for processing.
  • Monitor the flow of the mail to ensure continuous feed, and sweep separate mail from bin stackers.
  • Accept, sort and box the incoming U.S. mail according to the USPS and other carrier's guidelines.
  • Maintain customer confidentiality according to USPS policies.
  • Perform mail preparation and sortation both manually and on automation.
  • Operate various mail sortation equipment, software and machines in a manufacturing environment.
  • Meter outgoing military govt mail, prepare fed-ex shipments...delivery of mail to squadrons .. work in control restricted area ..
  • Separate confidential file including taxes and vouchers to facilitate IRS processing

Mail processing clerk skills and personality traits

We calculated that 14% of Mail Processing Clerks are proficient in Processing Equipment, ZIP Codes, and Manual Methods.

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

  • Processing Equipment, 14%

    Processed incoming and outgoing mail in plant facility using automated mail processing equipment, and manual sorting quickly and accurately.

  • ZIP Codes, 11%

    Labeled and operated automated machinery and distributed outgoing mail according to zip code sequence for home delivery.

  • Manual Methods, 9%

    Performed a variety of clerk duties required to process incoming/outgoing mail using manual methods of sortation and distribution.

  • Safety Precautions, 8%

    Practiced safety precautions while utilizing equipment and Removed non-process able items from Parcels.

  • Stackers, 8%

    Completed minor maintenance issues on stackers and cart loaders as necessary* Skid bundles off press safely and quickly

  • Sortation, 6%

    Make one or more sortation's of outgoing and/or incoming mail using the appropriate sort program or manual distribution scheme.

Most mail processing clerks use their skills in "processing equipment," "zip codes," and "manual methods" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential mail processing clerk responsibilities here:

Customer-service skills. One of the key soft skills for a mail processing clerk to have is customer-service skills. You can see how this relates to what mail processing clerks do because "postal service workers, particularly clerks, regularly interact with customers." Additionally, a mail processing clerk resume shows how mail processing clerks use customer-service skills: "executed daily operations of dps, mailed letters, merchandise samples and promotional literature to prospective customers.crs"

Physical strength. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling mail processing clerk duties is physical strength. The role rewards competence in this skill because "postal service workers must be able to lift heavy mail bags and parcels without injuring themselves." According to a mail processing clerk resume, here's how mail processing clerks can utilize physical strength in their job responsibilities: "learned attentive customer services in a physically demanding environment. "

Most common mail processing clerk skills

The three companies that hire the most mail processing clerks are:

Choose from 10+ customizable mail processing clerk resume templates

Build a professional mail processing clerk resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your mail processing clerk resume.
Mail Processing Clerk Resume
Mail Processing Clerk Resume
Mail Processing Clerk Resume
Mail Processing Clerk Resume
Mail Processing Clerk Resume
Mail Processing Clerk Resume
Mail Processing Clerk Resume
Mail Processing Clerk Resume
Mail Processing Clerk Resume
Mail Processing Clerk Resume
Mail Processing Clerk Resume
Mail Processing Clerk Resume
Mail Processing Clerk Resume
Mail Processing Clerk Resume
Mail Processing Clerk Resume
Mail Processing Clerk Resume

Compare different mail processing clerks

Mail processing clerk vs. Data entry associate

Data entry associates are a group of professionals using computers and data processing programs to supply information into a database or documentation platform or to transcribe data via phone conversations or recordings. They can multitask effectively with excellent verbal and written communication skills and perform repetitive tasks accurately with excellent attention to detail. Part of their task is to maintain the database by encoding new and updated customer account information by preparing source data for computer entry, compiling, and sorting information. To be effective, typing speed and accuracy must be considered.

If we compare the average mail processing clerk annual salary with that of a data entry associate, we find that data entry associates typically earn a $4,469 higher salary than mail processing clerks make annually.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between mail processing clerks and data entry associates are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like customer service, computer system, and fedex.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, mail processing clerk responsibilities require skills like "processing equipment," "zip codes," "manual methods," and "safety precautions." Meanwhile a typical data entry associate has skills in areas such as "computer database," "data entry," "payroll," and "wpm." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Data entry associates really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $52,978. Comparatively, mail processing clerks tend to make the most money in the retail industry with an average salary of $38,696.On average, data entry associates reach similar levels of education than mail processing clerks. Data entry associates are 0.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Mail processing clerk vs. Data entry operator

A data entry operator is someone responsible for entering collected information into a database using different computer software. Data entry duties include updating customer data, transcribing information, and entering accounting records. Also, it is their responsibility to organize collected data and maintain their accurate record on the database so it can be accessed at any time. Data operators must be proficient in typing skills, keen to details and able to manage a large amount of data. They must also be familiar with using spreadsheets, along with other word processing programs.

On average, data entry operators earn a $329 lower salary than mail processing clerks a year.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, mail processing clerk responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "processing equipment," "zip codes," "manual methods," and "safety precautions." Meanwhile, a data entry operator has duties that require skills in areas such as "data entry equipment," "computer database," "office equipment," and "wpm." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Data entry operators may earn a lower salary than mail processing clerks, but data entry operators earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $38,543. On the other hand, mail processing clerks receive higher pay in the retail industry, where they earn an average salary of $38,696.data entry operators earn similar levels of education than mail processing clerks in general. They're 0.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Mail processing clerk vs. Clerk

Clerks are responsible for many of the general administrative tasks in the office. They are in charge of manning office telephone lines, managing incoming and outgoing mails, filing paperwork and other needed records, scheduling and documenting meetings, typing out documents when needed, disseminating memos and other official announcements, and keeping an inventory of office equipment and supplies. Clerks should have good office skills, communication skills, business writing skills, and time management skills. They should also be able to treat any document or paperwork they handle with confidentiality.

On average, clerks earn lower salaries than mail processing clerks, with a $452 difference per year.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, mail processing clerks are more likely to have skills like "processing equipment," "zip codes," "manual methods," and "safety precautions." But a clerk is more likely to have skills like "basic math," "math," "data entry," and "cleanliness."

Clerks make a very good living in the health care industry with an average annual salary of $31,380. On the other hand, mail processing clerks are paid the highest salary in the retail industry, with average annual pay of $38,696.Most clerks achieve a similar degree level compared to mail processing clerks. For example, they're 0.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.8% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Mail processing clerk vs. Order entry clerk

An Order Entry Clerk is primarily in charge of receiving and processing customer orders, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Upon receiving orders, an order entry clerk is responsible for entering customer information into databases such as names, billing details, address, and item specifications. They communicate with customers through calls or email to confirm their orders and information, answering inquiries should there be any. Besides handling databases, an Order Entry Clerk Prepares and processes shipping documents, invoices, and contracts, tracking procedures to ensure smooth workflow. Moreover, there are also instances where they must receive and handle customer complaints, resolving them promptly.

Order entry clerks tend to earn a higher pay than mail processing clerks by an average of $2,532 per year.While both mail processing clerks and order entry clerks complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like customer service, computer system, and fedex, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between mail processing clerks and order entry clerks, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a mail processing clerk might have more use for skills like "processing equipment," "zip codes," "manual methods," and "safety precautions." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of order entry clerks require skills like "purchase orders," "data entry errors," "customer orders," and "edi. "

In general, order entry clerks earn the most working in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $36,204. The highest-paying industry for a mail processing clerk is the retail industry.In general, order entry clerks hold similar degree levels compared to mail processing clerks. Order entry clerks are 0.4% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of mail processing clerk

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.

Browse office and administrative jobs