What Does a Mail Sorter Do? (Salary, Job Description, and More)

What does a mail sorter do? What’s the salary of a mail sorter? How much do mail sorters make?

If you’re asking yourself these questions, this post is just what you need! This article will discuss everything you need to know about mail sorter jobs.

We’ll tell you the job requirements and pay scales, how to get hired, and more! Get ready to learn all about mail sorter jobs.

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Table of Contents

Who Is a Mail Sorter

A mail sorter is a person who sorts incoming letters and packages into different types of bins.

Depending on the sorting plant, they might also sort outgoing mail. They also package sorted mail for distribution by destination.

If you are interested in this job but do not have much experience, try volunteering at your local post office or sorting center.

What Does a Mail Sorter Do?

A mail sorter is responsible for sorting the incoming mail by date. They sort the letters by zip code and then stack them into piles.

Sometimes mail sorters have to ensure that all of the items in a particular pile are from the same state or zip code.

Job Description

The job description of a mail sorter is quite simple. You are given a tray or box filled with letters or packages.

You take out the letter or package from the tray/box and put it into one of nine slots on the conveyor belt (for example) according to its destination zip code.

A machine then sorts the letters and packages, ending up in their correct slot on the other side of the conveyor belt.

It is essential that you can keep your work area clean as well as watch for any letter/package that falls off the floor.

Depending on how large your employer’s facility is, you may be sorting mail in an open area like a warehouse or on an enclosed workstation like in an office setting.

What Are the Duties of a Mail Sorter?

The following are the responsibilities and duties of a mail sorter

Open incoming mail to separate envelopes from packages, papers from magazines, etc.,
Arrange by destination for the outgoing mail that has been sorted
Wrap up or bundle together those items that cannot be sent as individual pieces
Insert outgoing letters into an envelope (hand-canceling),
Insert letter flats into a flat envelope
And finally, seal and stamp it

Education

Most mail sorters have a high school diploma, although some jobs may require post secondary education or training.

Many community colleges offer programs in postal operations and management, which can be helpful for those interested in a career as a mail sorter.

Some employers may also provide on-the-job training for new hires.

Skills Required

A qualified candidate should have basic knowledge of mathematics and knowledge of airmail rates and as well understand USPS service types.

Expertise with postal regulations
Experience with calculating postage
Ability to prepare package labels
Familiarity with database systems
General computer literacy
Ability to accurately operate office equipment
Adaptability
Strong communication skills

Mail Sorter Salary & Outlook

Mail sorters’ salary varies depending on the position. Entry-level mail sorters with no previous experience can earn about $11 per hour in an office environment.

Higher level positions may include mail carrier positions where a salary of $50-60k per year is possible.

The average salary for a mail sorter is around $40k per year.

In addition to a paycheck, some employers offer various benefits such as health insurance, retirement savings plans, and paid time off.

The outlook for this occupation is relatively stable and has only modest growth prospects over the next decade.

If you are looking for a job requiring minimal education and training, then mail sorting might be a good choice.

Is Mail Sorting a Hard Job?

No, mail sorting is not a hard job. The United States Postal Service (USPS) employs around 617,000 people in various positions, including mail sorters.

As a mail sorter, your job would be to ensure that letters and packages are sorted correctly and delivered to the proper addresses.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a postal service career, you might want to consider becoming a mail sorter.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for sorting mail by the route and delivering it to the correct post office.

This job can be physically demanding, so you should be in good shape. The pay is decent, and you can often get benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.