O*NET-SOC 43-5051.00

Postal Service Clerks

Perform any combination of tasks in a United States Postal Service (USPS) post office, such as receive letters and parcels; sell postage and revenue stamps, postal cards, and stamped envelopes; fill out and sell money orders; place mail in pigeon holes of mail rack or in bags; and examine mail for correct postage. Includes postal service clerks employed by USPS contractors.

Preparation

ItemValue
Preparation zoneZone 2 – Some preparation needed
What O*NET says the zone requiresSome previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed
Broad occupation in O*NETTrue (Yes)
Skills listed for this occupation6
Abilities listed for this occupation6
Tasks listed for this occupation5
Interest scores given for this occupation6

Skills

The 6 skills with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

SkillO*NET elementImportanceDate
Active Listening2.A.1.b3.3807/2016
Speaking2.A.1.d3.2507/2016
Reading Comprehension2.A.1.a3.1207/2016
Service Orientation2.B.1.f3.1207/2016
Critical Thinking2.A.2.a3.007/2016
Monitoring2.A.2.d3.007/2016

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Abilities

The 6 abilities with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

AbilityO*NET elementImportanceDate
Oral Comprehension1.A.1.a.14.007/2016
Oral Expression1.A.1.a.33.8807/2016
Near Vision1.A.4.a.13.507/2016
Speech Clarity1.A.4.b.53.3807/2016
Speech Recognition1.A.4.b.43.3807/2016
Written Comprehension1.A.1.a.23.3807/2016

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Tasks

The tasks O*NET records for this occupation, with the type, respondent count and date each record carries.

TaskTypeIncumbents respondingDate
Weigh letters and parcels, compute mailing costs based on type, weight, and destination, and affix correct postage.Core9607/2016
Check mail to ensure correct postage and that packages and letters are in proper condition for mailing.Core9607/2016
Sort incoming and outgoing mail, according to type and destination, by hand or by operating electronic mail-sorting and scanning devices.Core9607/2016
Obtain signatures from recipients of registered or special delivery mail.Core9707/2016
Answer questions regarding mail regulations and procedures, postage rates, and post office boxes.Core9607/2016

Work interests

The interest scores O*NET gives this occupation, on the six interest types.

InterestScoreDate
Conventional6.5111/2023
Realistic3.2511/2023
Enterprising2.6911/2023
Social2.5411/2023
Artistic1.011/2023
Investigative1.011/2023

More occupations in preparation zone 2

Source: O*NET 29.1 Database (Occupation Data, Job Zones, Skills, Abilities, Task Statements, Interests), U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Data fetched 2026-10-31. See about and sources.