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Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service Salary in Washington, DC

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service in Washington, DC have a median annual salary of $41,760, with 1,540 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $31,990 at the 10th percentile to $61,020 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$41,760

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$20.08

Employment

1,540

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$31,990
10th
$36,840
25th
$41,760
Median
$49,080
75th
$61,020
90th

Local compared with national

Washington, DC

$41,760

Median annual · 2025

United States

$39,280

Median annual · 2025

The Washington, DC median is 6.3% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $2,480).

Top skills

  1. 1.Reading ComprehensionImportance 3.0
  2. 2.SpeakingImportance 3.0
  3. 3.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.0
  4. 4.MonitoringImportance 3.0
  5. 5.Time ManagementImportance 3.0
  6. 6.Active ListeningImportance 2.9
  7. 7.WritingImportance 2.9
  8. 8.CoordinationImportance 2.9
  9. 9.Operations MonitoringImportance 2.9
  10. 10.Operation and ControlImportance 2.9
  11. 11.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9
  12. 12.Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.8

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
None
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Email software
  • Financial accounting software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Postal Explorer
  • Recordkeeping software
  • Web browser software

Common tasks

  • Add ink, fill paste reservoirs, and change machine ribbons when necessary.
  • Lift and unload containers of mail or parcels onto equipment for transportation to sortation stations.
  • Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.
  • Clear jams in sortation equipment.
  • Place incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and place identifying tags on sacks or bins.
  • Release packages or letters to customers upon presentation of written notices or other identification.
  • Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.
  • Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.
  • Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.
  • Weigh packages or letters to determine postage needed, using weighing scales and rate charts.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service salary in other locations

Other occupations in Washington, DC