Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators Make?
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators earn a median annual salary of $56,530 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $42,600 at the 10th percentile to $74,050 at the 90th percentile — a range of $31,450. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $67,830.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $42,600 |
| 25th percentile | $47,380 |
| Median (50th) | $56,530 |
| 75th percentile | $72,970 |
| 90th percentile | $74,050 |
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbiatop | $67,830 |
| Iowa | $59,550 |
| Kansas | $59,550 |
| New Jersey | $59,550 |
| South Dakota | $59,550 |
| Wyoming | $59,550 |
| North Dakota | $58,780 |
| Vermont | $58,650 |
| Nebraska | $58,510 |
| Delaware | $57,490 |
| Maine | $57,490 |
| Michigan | $57,490 |
| Minnesota | $57,490 |
| Montana | $57,490 |
| New York | $57,490 |
| Oklahoma | $57,490 |
| Rhode Island | $57,490 |
| Texas | $57,490 |
| Arkansas | $57,490 |
| Washington | $57,490 |
| West Virginia | $57,490 |
| Wisconsin | $57,490 |
| California | $57,490 |
| Connecticut | $57,490 |
| Kentucky | $57,140 |
| Idaho | $56,530 |
| Massachusetts | $56,530 |
| Colorado | $56,530 |
| Hawaii | $56,450 |
| Illinois | $56,450 |
| Maryland | $56,450 |
| Missouri | $56,450 |
| New Hampshire | $56,450 |
| Arizona | $56,450 |
| Pennsylvania | $56,450 |
| Virginia | $56,450 |
| Florida | $56,160 |
| South Carolina | $56,160 |
| Ohio | $55,850 |
| Alabama | $55,410 |
| Indiana | $55,410 |
| Louisiana | $55,410 |
| Mississippi | $55,410 |
| Nevada | $55,410 |
| New Mexico | $55,410 |
| Oregon | $55,410 |
| Utah | $55,410 |
| North Carolina | $54,700 |
| Georgia | $54,370 |
| Tennessee | $54,370 |
| Alaska | $53,350 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$42,600 – $47,380 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$56,530 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$72,970 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $74,050+ |
How to Earn More as a Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators in New Haven, CT earn $72,970 — $16,440 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($72,970) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operatorthis career | $56,530 |
| Postmasters and Mail Superintendent | $92,730 |
| File Clerk | $41,270 |
| Cargo and Freight Agent | $49,900 |
| Couriers and Messenger | $38,340 |
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PathScorer compares your skills to Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operator requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.
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SOC: 43-5053.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.