How Much Does a Postal Clerk Make? (2025)
Postal clerks play a critical role in the United States Postal Service (USPS) by ensuring that mail and packages are processed efficiently and that customers receive excellent service.
Currently, the median annual salary for a postal service worker in the United States is $56,510. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a decline of 4 percent in postal service worker jobs between 2023 and 2033.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about becoming a postal clerk, including job responsibilities, salary expectations, factors influencing pay, and the steps required to pursue this career in 2025.
What Does a Postal Clerk Do?
Postal clerks, also referred to as postal service clerks, are employed by the USPS and work in post offices across the country. They perform a range of essential tasks that help keep mail operations running smoothly. Their duties include:
- Customer service & sales: Postal clerks and parcel post clerks assist customers with purchasing stamps, shipping supplies, and money orders, calculating postage, and providing mailing options.
- Mail processing & sorting: They manage incoming and outgoing mail, ensuring letters and parcels are properly sorted, labeled, and delivered on time.
- Financial transactions & record keeping: Clerks process payments for postage and deliveries, manage money orders, and maintain wages and sales records.
- Compliance & security: Postal clerks must ensure compliance with postal regulations and safety procedures. They may be required to verify identification for restricted mail services, handle confidential documents securely, and report suspicious packages.
What is the Postal Clerk Salary Overview?
As of February 2025, the average salary for a postal clerk in the United States is $37,383 per year, which equates to approximately $18 per hour. However, postal service clerk salaries can vary based on location, experience, and job responsibilities.
2025 Postal Clerk Salary: $37,383 ($18 per hour)
Meanwhile, the median core compensation, which includes salary and bonus, for a postal clerk is $37,383 per year. However, this amount depends on the percentile.
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $30,085 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,563 |
| 50th Percentile | $37,383 |
| 75th Percentile | $41,763 |
| 90th Percentile | $45,751 |
Moreover, the median total compensation for a Postal Clerk is $58,085, according to Salary.com. Benefits such as paid time off ($4,653), Social Security ($2,892), and healthcare ($8,352) make up approximately 27.4% of the total package.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $37,383 | 64.4% |
| Bonus | $420 | 0.7% |
| Value of Benefits | ||
| Social Security | $2,892 | 5.0% |
| 401K/403B | $1,588 | 2.7% |
| Disability | $756 | 1.3% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 14.4% |
| Pension | $2,041 | 3.5% |
| Time Off | $4,653 | 8.0% |
| Total Compensation | $58,085 | 100% |
What Can Affect Postal Clerk Salaries?
Several factors influence how much a postal clerk earns, including experience, location and skills.
By Experience
By experience, according to Salary.com, an entry-level postal clerk salary is approximately $36,336 annually, offering a solid starting wage for newcomers. As postal clerks gain experience, their earnings increase, with those having 1 to 2 years making around $37,142, while highly experienced clerks with 8 years and above earn about $39,275 per year.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Postal Clerk | $36,336 |
| Intermediate Level Postal Clerk | $37,142 |
| Senior Level Postal Clerk | $38,952 |
| Specialist Level Postal Clerk | $39,146 |
| Expert Specialist Postal Clerk | $39,275 |
By Location
Salaries for postal clerks vary depending on factors such as cost of living and regional demand. According to Salary.com, San Francisco, California, stands out as one of the top-paying cities, with postal clerk salaries ranging from $41,953 to $52,203 per year.
In contrast, Miami, Florida, offers more modest compensation, with salaries starting at $32,393 and reaching up to $40,303.
| City | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile (Median) | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $41,953 | $46,723 | $52,203 |
| Washington, DC | $37,353 | $41,603 | $46,483 |
| Miami, FL | $32,393 | $36,073 | $40,303 |
| Chicago, IL | $35,213 | $39,213 | $43,813 |
| Boston, MA | $37,623 | $41,903 | $46,813 |
| New York, NY | $39,203 | $43,663 | $48,783 |
| Dallas, TX | $33,133 | $36,893 | $41,223 |
By Skills
High-demand skills can significantly impact salary growth for postal clerks. According to Salary.com's Real-time Job Posting Salary Data, postal clerks proficient in Security Management can experience a 6.32% salary increase, while those skilled in Document Management may see a 5.28% increase. Expertise in Mail Delivery is associated with a 4.80% salary boost.
| Skill | Salary Growth | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Security Management | 6.32% | 1.73% |
| Records Management | 5.88% | 2.63% |
| Computer Literacy | 5.68% | 2.13% |
| Document Management | 5.28% | 2.53% |
| Data Entry | 5.04% | 2.33% |
| Mail Delivery | 4.80% | 2.03% |
How to Become a Postal Clerk?
If you are interested in becoming a postal service clerk, there are several steps you need to follow.
- Must be at least 18 years old (or 16 with a high school diploma).
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must pass a criminal background check.
Next, you need to obtain the required education. A high school diploma or GED is typically sufficient, but pursuing additional education in administration, finance, or customer service can enhance your qualifications and job prospects.
Once you meet the education requirements, the next step is to apply for a postal clerk job. You can visit the official USPS job search portal to find open positions, submit an application with the necessary documentation, and prepare for a potential interview.
A crucial step in the hiring process is passing the USPS Postal Exam 473, which evaluates your ability in mail processing, address checking, and customer service skills. This test is mandatory for all aspiring postal clerks.
After successfully passing the exam and securing the job, new hires must complete on-the-job training.
- Learn about USPS operations and daily procedures.
- Understand customer service protocols for assisting customers.
- Get trained on security measures to handle mail safely.
- Develop the necessary skills to manage postal clerk responsibilities effectively.
What are the FAQs about Postal Clerk?
Here are some questions that are commonly asked on Postal Clerk:
What is the average salary for a postal clerk in 2025?
The average salary for a postal clerk is $37,383 per year or $18 per hour.
What are the highest paying cities for postal clerks?
Some of the highest paying cities for postal clerks include New York, San Francisco, and Columbia, with salaries ranging from $40,000 to $45,000 per year.
How do I become a USPS postal clerk?
To become a USPS postal clerk, you must apply through the USPS job portal, pass a postal exam, and complete on-the-job training.
What benefits do postal clerks receive?
USPS employees, including postal clerks, receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Is prior experience required to become a postal clerk?
No, prior experience is not required. However, job candidates must pass a written exam as part of the application process, according to the USPS.
What is the expected job outlook for postal clerks?
The USPS is expected to experience a 4% decline in employment opportunities between 2023 and 2033. However, retirements and turnover still create new job openings each year.
