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The Global Insight

What are the requirements to be a mail sorter?

Author

Michael Gray

Updated on April 02, 2026

Mail Sorter Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Previous mailroom experience is preferred.
  • Proficiency with mail processing machines and equipment such as mail meters.
  • Basic computer skills and proficiency in programs such as MS Word and Excel.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Attention to detail.

How much does a mail sorter make at USPS?

Average United States Postal Service Mail Sorter yearly pay in the United States is approximately $33,518, which is 9% below the national average.

How does a letter sorter work?

As a mail sorter, your responsibilities and duties include manual processing of mail and operating mail sorting machines. You also sort bulk mail geographically and by postage type, creating batches that move on to the next destination in the sorting and delivery process.

How much mail can a mail sorter process?

Mail sorters can process up to 55,000 #10 envelopes per hour. Systems can scan and archive mail piece images during the sort process for compliance and proof of mailing.

What is a sorter job?

Sorters duties include utilizing factory equipment to sort products efficiently, monitor and exclude defective items, maintain a clean and organized production area, assist in loading and unloading items, perform repairs on malfunctioning equipment, and examine inventories requesting necessary supplies, and adhering to …

What are the duties of a mail sorter?

A mail sorter, also known as a mail handler, oversees the loading, unloading, and sorting of mail. As a mail sorter, your responsibilities and duties include manual processing of mail and operating mail sorting machines.

Is postal exam 473 difficult?

The 473 and 473ec were retired a few years ago and replaced by four new tests. The 1st part of the 473 exam is fairly easy but is timed so you need to work quick and be accurate. The memory part is generally considered the hardest for most people unless you have a photographic memory.

What is starting pay at USPS?

The average starting pay for an entry-level postal employee is over $20 an hour with benefits. This is extremely competitive in the marketplace. Please see the following table for starting pay rates for popular entry-level positions such as City Carrier, Rural Carrier, Clerk, and Mail Handler.

How does the post office read handwriting?

The United States Postal Service USPS uses optical character recognition OCR to read addresses on letters a packages. Printed addresses are quite easy for OCR to read. Handwritten addresses should have a numeric ZIP code that OCR reads and assigns to a Post Office. ZIP code OCR is particularly easy.

Whats the difference between a mail carrier and mail handler?

What’s the difference between a Mail Handler and a Mail Carrier? When the mailroom is busy, the Mail Carrier may assist Mail Handlers in sorting through and preparing the mail items for delivery. Similarly, if the Mail Carrier has many items to deliver, the Mail Handler will assist them on their route.

What do you need to be a mail sorter?

Mail Sorter Requirements: High school diploma or GED. Previous mailroom experience is preferred. Proficiency with mail processing machines and equipment such as mail meters.

What are the requirements for first class mail?

Share Mail letters or postcards must meet the First-Class Mail eligibility, machinability, and other specifications of the Mail Classification Schedule and Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM ® ).

What’s the maximum weight for a share letter?

The maximum weight for a Share Mail letter is 1 ounce, including its envelope. Share Mail letters or postcards must meet the First-Class Mail eligibility, machinability, and other specifications of the Mail Classification Schedule and Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM ® ).

Which is USPS system automates letter tray sortation?

Contracts have been issued to build additional Automatic Tray Sleevers, Automatic Tray Unsleevers, trayline integration to support these deployments, and Enhanced Airline Assignment systems. Plants and transportation hubs are benefitting from the deployment of high- speed tray sorters that automate letter tray sortation.