To work as a mail machine operator, a high school diploma is needed. Some companies might also prefer to hire candidates who have related work experience and prior knowledge of mail machinery.
Essential Information
Mail machine operators ready incoming and outgoing mail for distribution using machines to aid them in their work. They must be organized and efficient and are often required to stand for long periods of time. A high school diploma is required for most jobs and some companies require relevant work experience.
| Required Education | High school diploma |
| Other Requirements | Knowledge of mail machinery and postal worker experience helpful; on-the-job training may be provided by employers |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | -7% (mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service) |
| Median Salary (2020)* | $31,920 annually (mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Description
Mail machine operators generally work for large companies, manufacturers, newspapers or commercial printers and are responsible for processing all incoming and outgoing mail.
Operators perform a variety of tasks related to processing incoming and outgoing mail. Some of those tasks include sorting and routing incoming mail and collecting outgoing mail, sealing or opening envelopes either by hand or using machines and weighing packages and calculating postage.
Operators may also be tasked with keeping mail machinery in working order, clearing jams in sorting equipment and operating computers. In addition, some operators must routinely lift heavy packages and wrap packages or bundles. It is also necessary for some mail machine operators to keep detailed and accurate records.
Depending upon the specific employer, mail machine operators may also be responsible for quality control, keeping an inventory of supplies and meeting production goals.
Supervisory positions exist within the mail room and these positions are usually filled by operators who have proven themselves capable and have several years of relevant work experience.
Requirements
Most entry-level jobs for mail machine operators require a high school diploma and some may require previous relevant work experience. Some jobs will offer training to the right candidate. Mail machine operators benefit from having a working knowledge of mail machinery and an aptitude for troubleshooting and making repairs to such machines. Positions usually call for candidates who can stand for long periods of time and perform physical tasks such as lifting up to 50 pounds.
Potential employers generally look for candidates who have good basic math, reading and computer skills. The ability to communicate clearly both orally and written with other workers is desirable. In general, mail machine operators are required to be organized and efficient.
Experience as a postal worker can help candidates land a position as a mail machine operator.
Employment Outlook and Salary Info
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that jobs for all mail clerks and mail machine operators, except those who work for the postal service, were predicted to decline 7% from 2019-2029. Workers in this field earned a median annual wage of $31,920 as of May 2020, per the BLS.
Although not essential, it is a good idea for aspiring mail machine operators to be in decent physical shape, because the job often requires standing for long periods of time. In addition, operators must also be able to lift at least 50 pounds. Mail machine operators are typically trained on the job, and there is predicted to be a sharp decline in this field through the year 2029.
