What is a mail handler?
Mail handlers are key players at post offices, helping get your mail from one place to another, whether that’s across town or across the world. They work hard to make sure millions of letters, packages, and parcels get where they need to go, keeping our communication and shopping on track.
Duties and responsibilities
Mail handlers sort all your letters and packages, put them in the right order for delivery, and load them onto trucks. They also unload stuff that comes into the post office. Some of their jobs are done by machines that help sort the mail faster. They make sure special kinds of mail, like registered or insured mail, are handled carefully so they don’t get lost or damaged.
Work environment
Mail handlers work in post offices, which are usually busy places full of mail and packages. The job can be pretty active—expect to stand a lot, lift heavy mail bags, and work around noisy machines. Safety is super important to avoid accidents.
Typical work hours
Mail handlers might work at any time—day, night, or weekends—since some post offices are open 24/7. They usually work about 40 hours a week, but sometimes more when lots of people are sending mail, like during the holidays.
How to become a mail handler
Thinking about working with the post office? Here’s a step-by-step guide to becoming a mail handler:
Step 1: Finish high school
Most mail handlers need at least a high school diploma or GED. More school can help, but it’s not necessary to get the job.
Step 2: Get strong
You’ll need to be in good shape because this job involves lifting heavy boxes, using big sorting machines, and being on your feet a lot.
Step 3: Gain some experience
You don’t need specific experience to start, but if you’ve worked in customer service or delivery before, it could give you an edge in getting the job.
Step 4: Apply
Check out the post office website to find job openings and submit your application online.
Step 5: Pass the test
The United States Postal Service (USPS) will make you take a test called the 473 Postal Exam to see how well you can handle the job’s tasks, like sorting mail and filling out forms. Study up to boost your chances!
Step 6: Ace the interview
If you do well on the test, you’ll get an interview. Practice answers to common questions ahead of time so you can impress them.
Step 7: Train on the job
Once you’re hired, you’ll go through training at the post office to learn all the ropes—from sorting mail correctly to delivering it efficiently. Do well in training, and you could move up in the future.
How much do mail handlers make?
Mail handler salaries will vary by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. The type of mail service provider they work for (e.g., private companies or government organizations like the USPS) can greatly impact their compensation.
Highest paying industries
- Federal Executive Branch: $54,720
- Couriers and Express Delivery Services: $51,850
- Air Transportation: $49,990
- Postal Service: $49,280
- General Freight Trucking: $47,680
Highest paying states
- California: $53,890
- Alaska: $51,320
- New Jersey: $50,860
- Massachusetts: $50,600
- Washington: $50,020
The average national salary for a Mail Handler is:
$42,200
Types of mail handlers
Mail handlers have different jobs at the post office, each with their own set of tasks. Here are a few types you might find:
Mail sorter
If you’re super organized and like details, this could be for you. Mail sorters organize letters and packages, making sure they’re ready to go out to the right places. They use machines to help sort faster and need to be good at bundling and moving the sorted mail to where it needs to go next.
Mail carrier
Love being outdoors? Mail carriers deliver mail to houses and businesses, walking or driving through different neighborhoods. They not only deliver but also pick up mail and packages to bring back to the post office for sorting.
Bulk mail handler
This is for those who can handle a lot of heavy lifting. Bulk mail handlers deal with big amounts of mail at once, often using machines to help manage and sort it all. It’s a physically demanding job, so being fit is a must.
Top skills for mail handlers
Thinking about a job handling mail? Here’s what you’ll need to be good at:
Physical stamina
You need to be strong and have lots of energy. Mail handlers lift heavy boxes, stand for long hours, and move around a lot. Being fit helps you do the job without getting too tired.
Organization
There’s a ton of mail coming in and going out, and you’ve got to keep it all straight. Being organized means you can sort the mail fast and keep your area neat so everything runs smoothly.
Attention to detail
It’s super important to pay attention to the little things—like addresses and zip codes. One small mix-up can send a package to the wrong place. Being detail-oriented means fewer mistakes and happier customers.
Communication
You won’t just be dealing with mail; you’ll talk to other handlers and your bosses too. Being able to talk clearly and listen well makes it easier to work together and fix any problems that come up.
Looking for a new job?
Browse our national database of mail handler job openings and apply today
Mail handler career path options
Thinking about the future in a mail handling job? There are plenty of ways to move up and try new things:
Become a leader
One popular step is to become a lead mail handler. If you’re really good at your job, you could start leading a team, helping new handlers learn the ropes. From there, you might even end up running the whole mail processing center.
Specialize
If you’re into details, you might like working with special kinds of mail, like registered or insured packages. These jobs are super important and usually pay better because you’re handling valuable stuff.
Go big
If you want to think bigger, you could move into managing different parts of the postal service, like operations or logistics. These jobs are about overseeing lots of different pieces of the postal puzzle.
Teach others
Love sharing what you know? You could become a trainer, teaching new employees how to handle mail the right way. It’s a great way to pass on your skills and help others get better at their jobs.
Similar job titles
Position trends and outlook for mail handlers
Mail handling is changing a lot because of how we communicate and shop today. Here’s what’s going on:
- Tech is taking over: More people are emailing and texting so there’s less traditional mail, but because everyone loves shopping online, there’s a huge increase in package deliveries. Handlers are using more tech to sort mail and packages faster and more accurately.
- Going green: Mail companies are also trying to be more eco-friendly. They’re cutting down on paper use and using clean energy when possible, so being aware of these green practices is becoming a big part of the job.
Employment projections
Even with all these changes, the need for mail handlers is expected to go down a little through 2031, about 6% less according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The switch to digital stuff and more machines doing the sorting could mean fewer jobs. But, the boom in online shopping might keep handlers in demand for handling all those packages.
Mail handler career tips
Stay in the know
Rules at the post office change sometimes. To avoid mistakes, keep up with the latest postal regulations by checking official websites and subscribing to newsletters.
Be safety smart
Handling heavy boxes and dangerous stuff can be risky. Make sure you know all the safety rules really well to keep yourself and everyone else safe. Join in on safety trainings whenever you can.
Get efficient
The quicker and more accurately you can sort mail, the better you’ll do. Use cool tech tools to help you work faster, and set up your space so you can move smoothly and keep things neat.
Build your network
Meeting other people who handle mail can help you a lot. You might learn new tips, find job opportunities, or get advice. Check out groups like:
- National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU)
- National Association of Postal Supervisors (NAPS)
- National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)
Keep learning
Always be ready to learn something new. You might take a course on how to manage a mailroom better or go to a workshop about keeping things safe at work. Staying sharp with new skills can help you move up in your job.
Where the mail handler jobs are
Top employers
- United States Postal Service
- FedEx
- UPS
- DHL
- Pitney Bowes
Top states
- California
- New York
- Texas
- Florida
- Pennsylvania
Top job sites
- zengig
- Indeed
- Monster
- CareerBuilder
FAQs
What skills are necessary for a mail handler?
Mail handlers must be detail-oriented, have good hand-eye coordination, and possess physical stamina. They often have to lift heavy objects, sort mail according to strict guidelines, and work under pressure.
What training or education do mail handlers need?
Those interested in becoming mail handlers should have a high school diploma or equivalent. Beyond that, they will need on-the-job training to become familiar with sorting systems and mailing machines.
Are there any physical requirements for the mail handler position?
The ability to lift heavy mail bags, load and unload trucks, stand for several hours a day, and have good hand-eye coordination are typical requirements for mail handlers.
Does mail handlers need any licenses or certifications?
Generally, mail handlers do not require special licenses or certifications. However, having a valid driver’s license can be advantageous if the job involves making deliveries or operating mail vans.
Do mail handlers typically work full-time or part-time?
Majority of mail handler positions are full-time. Occasionally, part-time or seasonal positions may be available, particularly during busy periods like the holidays.
Is previous experience required for mail handlers?
While previous experience in a warehouse or delivery position can be helpful, many employers offer on-the-job training and do not require specific experience for mail handlers.
What is the work environment like for a mail handler?
The work environment for mail handlers can be fast-paced and physically demanding. These individuals work in mail sorting facilities and might be required to function both independently and as part of a team.
Are there opportunities for advancement as a mail handler?
In larger postal facilities, experienced mail handlers may have the opportunity to move into supervisory or management roles. Additionally, with additional training or education, they might move into other positions within the postal service.
What kind of work schedule can mail handlers expect?
Mail handlers often work a standard 40-hour week, although it may be necessary to work evenings, nights, or weekends, especially during busy periods. Depending on the size of the facility, shifts can vary significantly.
What are the major challenges a mail handler can face?
Among the most significant challenges for mail handlers include the job’s physical demands, the need to work fast to meet delivery deadlines, and the necessity of working in different weather conditions if you’re in a role that involves a lot of outdoor work.