🟢 Status: OPEN — Open Continuous | Nationwide — Mail Processing & Distribution Facilities | Source: jobs.usps.com
USPS PSE Mail Processing Clerk Jobs 2026 — United States Postal Service | $19.05/hr | Operate Automated Sorting Equipment
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is actively hiring Postal Support Employees (PSE) — Mail Processing Clerks at mail processing and distribution facilities across the country in 2026. PSE is a non-career, flexible-schedule position that serves as a direct entry point into the postal workforce. Many PSEs convert to career clerk positions over time, earning full federal benefits, union representation, and long-term job security. This role is ideal for individuals who are physically active, detail-oriented, and ready to work in a fast-paced automated environment.
As a PSE Mail Processing Clerk, your primary responsibility is operating high-speed automated sorting machinery that processes millions of pieces of mail daily. You will also perform manual distribution tasks when machines are unavailable or when mail requires special handling. This is a hands-on, physically demanding position that plays a critical role in keeping the U.S. mail system running efficiently. No prior experience with postal machinery is required — USPS provides paid training on all equipment.
Job Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position Title | PSE Mail Processing Clerk |
| Agency | United States Postal Service (USPS) |
| Pay Rate | $19.05 per hour |
| Annual Salary Range | ~$39,624 – $50,000 |
| Location | Washington, DC (USPS HQ) — Positions Available Across All 50 States |
| Schedule | Flexible / Open Continuous |
| Employment Type | Non-Career (PSE) — Path to Career |
| Physical Requirement | Ability to lift up to 70 lbs |
| Source | jobs.usps.com |
| Apply Now | Click Here to Apply |
About the Role
PSE Mail Processing Clerks work inside large USPS mail processing and distribution facilities — high-volume, 24/7 operations that sort and route mail and packages for delivery. The work environment is fast-paced and physically active, with clerks spending significant time on their feet operating or feeding automated machinery. Facilities operate across multiple shifts (day, evening, and night), and PSEs are expected to be flexible with their scheduling based on operational needs.
Key automated systems you may operate include the Delivery Barcode Sorter (DBCS), the Flat Sequencing System (FSS), and other letter/flat sorting machines. These systems read barcodes and optical characters to sort mail at high speed. Clerks are responsible for loading mail trays, clearing jams, monitoring output quality, and ensuring sorted mail is correctly labeled and staged for dispatch. Manual distribution at a case is also part of the role when automated systems are down or unavailable.
“PSE Mail Processing Clerks are the backbone of USPS sorting operations — running the machines that keep millions of letters and packages moving every single day.”
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Operate automated mail sorting equipment including the Delivery Barcode Sorter (DBCS) and Flat Sequencing System (FSS)
- Set up sorting support materials such as mail trays, tubs, and sacks for outgoing mail runs
- Manually distribute mail and packages to correct routes and bins when automated sorting is unavailable
- Provide window services to postal customers, including accepting packages and selling stamps as needed
- Lift, carry, and move mail containers, trays, and parcels weighing up to 70 pounds
- Stand for extended periods during sorting operations and machine-feeding tasks
- Monitor machine output for jams, misreads, and quality issues — clearing and correcting as needed
- Label, stage, and dispatch sorted mail for dispatch to post offices and delivery units
- Follow all USPS safety protocols, including proper lifting techniques and PPE use in facility areas
Qualifications & Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years old (or 16 with a high school diploma) |
| Education | No degree required — high school diploma or GED preferred |
| Experience | No prior postal or machinery experience required; training provided |
| Physical Stamina | Ability to stand, bend, and lift up to 70 lbs on a sustained basis |
| Drug Test | Required prior to appointment |
| Background Check | Required — criminal history review conducted |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or citizen of American Samoa |
Salary & Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Hourly Pay | $19.05 per hour (starting rate) |
| Estimated Annual Pay | ~$39,624 – $50,000 depending on hours worked |
| Health Insurance | Available for PSEs averaging 30+ hours/week |
| Paid Leave | Annual and sick leave accrual available |
| Career Path | PSEs may convert to Career Mail Processing Clerk (full benefits + union) |
| Retirement | Eligible after conversion to career status |
How to Apply
To apply for the PSE Mail Processing Clerk position, visit jobs.usps.com and search for “PSE Mail Processing Clerk”. Filter by your preferred state or metro area to find open postings near you. Applications are submitted entirely online. As part of the hiring process, you will be required to complete the Virtual Entry Assessment — 473 (VEA-473), a timed assessment that measures attention to detail, memory, and work-related scenarios. Study guides are available online. Candidates who score well are contacted for an in-person interview and facility tour.
Veterans’ Preference
USPS honors veterans’ preference in its hiring process. Eligible veterans, disabled veterans, and surviving family members may receive additional consideration when their assessments are scored and ranked. Be sure to indicate your veterans’ preference status and upload your DD-214 or VA disability documentation when completing your application at jobs.usps.com. USPS is consistently ranked among the top federal employers of veterans in the United States.
About the United States Postal Service
The United States Postal Service is one of the largest employers in the country, with more than 600,000 career and non-career employees serving every address in the nation — 160 million delivery points six days a week. USPS operates a vast network of processing facilities, post offices, and delivery units, processing hundreds of billions of pieces of mail and packages annually. As an independent agency of the federal government, USPS offers stable employment, competitive pay, and meaningful work that touches every American community every day. Learn more at about.usps.com/careers.
Disclaimer: FederalJobsAlert.us is an independent job information website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the United States Postal Service or any federal agency. All job details, pay rates, and requirements are sourced from publicly available information at jobs.usps.com and may be subject to change. Always verify current openings and apply directly through the official USPS careers portal.