CDCareer Decision

Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators Salary in Chicago, IL

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators in Chicago, IL have a median annual salary of $58,300, with 4,920 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $42,600 at the 10th percentile to $75,280 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

$58,300

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$28.03

Employment

4,920

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$42,600
10th
$48,880
25th
$58,300
Median
$75,030
75th
$75,280
90th

Local compared with national

Chicago, IL

$58,300

Median annual · 2025

United States

$58,470

Median annual · 2025

The Chicago, IL median is 0.3% below the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $170).

Top skills

  1. 1.MonitoringImportance 3.1
  2. 2.Reading ComprehensionImportance 3.0
  3. 3.SpeakingImportance 3.0
  4. 4.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.0
  5. 5.CoordinationImportance 3.0
  6. 6.Active ListeningImportance 2.9
  7. 7.Operations MonitoringImportance 2.9
  8. 8.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9
  9. 9.Time ManagementImportance 2.9
  10. 10.Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.8
  11. 11.Operation and ControlImportance 2.8
  12. 12.Service OrientationImportance 2.5

Career information

Education and experience

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

Technology used

  • Address Management System AMS
  • Automated Package Processing System APPS
  • Barcode reader software
  • Delivery operations information system DOIS
  • Delivery Routing System DRS
  • Directory software
  • Electronic Time Clock ETC
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Multi-line optical character reader OCR software
  • NCR Advanced Store
  • SAP software

Common tasks

  • Clear jams in sorting equipment.
  • Operate various types of equipment, such as computer scanning equipment, addressographs, mimeographs, optical character readers, and bar-code sorters.
  • Sort odd-sized mail by hand, sort mail that other workers have been unable to sort, and segregate items requiring special handling.
  • Direct items according to established routing schemes, using computer-controlled keyboards or voice-recognition equipment.
  • Check items to ensure that addresses are legible and correct, that sufficient postage has been paid or the appropriate documentation is attached, and that items are in a suitable condition for processing.
  • Bundle, label, and route sorted mail to designated areas, depending on destinations and according to established procedures and deadlines.
  • Move containers of mail, using equipment, such as forklifts and automated "trains".
  • Open and label mail containers.
  • Load and unload mail trucks, sometimes lifting containers of mail onto equipment that transports items to sorting stations.
  • Distribute incoming mail into the correct boxes or pigeonholes.

Related careers

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

Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators salary in other locations

Other occupations in Chicago, IL