Nature of the Work

Postal Service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution at post offices and at mail processing centers. They load and unload postal trucks and move mail around mail processing centers. They also load and operate mail processing, sorting, and canceling machinery.

Education and Training

All applicants for Postal Service jobs are required to take a Postal Service examination. Additionally, they must be at least 18 years of age, and be a U.S. citizen or have been granted permanent resident-alien status in the United States. Males must have registered with the Selective Service upon reaching age 18. A good command of the English language also is required.

Job Outlook

Employment change. Employment is projected to decline rapidly. Increased use of automated equipment for sorting and processing mail reduces the need for employees in this occupation. Employment also will be negatively affected by companies increasingly presorting their own mail before it arrives at the Post Office to qualify for postage rate reductions.

Job prospects. Keen competition for jobs is expected. The number of applicants usually exceeds the number of job openings because of the occupation's low entry requirements and attractive wages and benefits.