Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
No formal educational credential
None
Short-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators play a key role in moving mail efficiently through postal facilities. Nationally, about 106,000 people work in this occupation, with a national median annual salary of $56,530. The field is projected to see a -8.4% change in employment, yet there are still an estimated 8,000 annual openings, reflecting ongoing hiring needs as workers retire or change careers. This path can appeal to people who bring physical strength and stamina, attention to detail, and comfort working with mechanical systems and technology. Interpersonal skills, customer service, and written and reading abilities also matter in this environment. The role can provide a stable, structured work setting with clear performance expectations. For individuals who meet the skill profile and are comfortable with the projected employment trends, this career can offer steady income and opportunities in a range of locations across the country.
Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators earn a national median annual salary of $56,530. Pay levels vary by location, and several states and metro areas stand out. Among the top states by opportunity score, California and Washington show median salaries of $59,490, while Massachusetts, New York, and Colorado list median salaries of $58,470. At the metro level, salaries are often higher than their state medians. The San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metro shows a median salary of $60,200, and the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro reports $59,490. The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro has the highest listed median salary at $63,650. These differences highlight how geographic choice can influence earning potential within this occupation, giving workers an option to target regions that align with their financial goals and personal circumstances.
This occupation has national employment of about 106,000 workers and a projected employment growth rate of -8.4%. Despite this negative projected change, there are an estimated 8,000 annual openings. The combination of overall employment decline with ongoing openings suggests that positions continue to become available, even as total headcount is expected to decrease over time. The same -8.4% projected growth rate appears across the top states and top metro areas listed, indicating a consistent outlook in the highlighted regions. Individuals considering this field should factor the negative growth rate into their long-term planning while also recognizing that the number of annual openings reflects continued hiring activity. For people with the right skills who are prepared to navigate a shrinking occupation, this role can still present opportunities, especially when considering geographic flexibility and the range of workplaces across different states and metro areas.
Location plays a significant role in opportunity for postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators. Among states, California leads with employment of 10,090 and a median salary of $59,490, combined with a CareerGPS opportunity score of 67.38. Massachusetts and New York each show median salaries of $58,470, with opportunity scores of 65.87 and 65.78 respectively, reflecting strong combinations of pay, employment, and other factors. Colorado and Washington also appear among the top states, both showing higher median salaries than the national median. At the metro level, opportunity is even more concentrated. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ top the list with opportunity scores above 77. The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro stands out for its $63,650 median salary, the highest listed. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH also offer solid combinations of salary and employment, giving prospective workers multiple regional options.
The typical education requirement for postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators is no formal educational credential. This makes the occupation accessible to individuals who may not have completed traditional postsecondary programs but can demonstrate the right skill set. Key skills for success include physical strength and stamina, fine motor abilities, and mechanical aptitude, which support hands-on, equipment-focused work. Being detail oriented and using critical and analytical thinking are important for handling mail accurately and efficiently. Writing and reading skills, along with computers and information technology knowledge, support documentation and use of postal systems. Interpersonal and customer service skills contribute to productive interactions in the workplace, while leadership skills can help experienced workers take on more responsibility. Together, these skills can help candidates without formal credentials present themselves as competitive applicants and progress within the occupation over time.
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