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Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 730 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Less exposedband 2 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a quarter of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the second least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 38% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Weigh packages or letters to determine postage needed, using weighing scales and rate charts.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  3. Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  4. Operate computer-controlled keyboards or voice recognition equipment to direct items according to established routing schemes.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  5. Answer inquiries regarding shipping or mailing policies.

    AI could do much of this on its own

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Wrap packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Inspect mail machine output for defects and determine how to eliminate causes of any defects.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Remove from machines printed materials, such as labeled articles, postmarked envelopes or tape, and folded sheets.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators

    Very similar work
    +39% pay878 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays about 39% more—$59,852 vs your $43,012 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Near Vision
    • Manual Dexterity
    • Finger Dexterity
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Oral Expression

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Stockers and Order Fillers

    Very similar work
    slightly less pay25,104 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$39,881 vs your $43,012 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Near Vision
    • Oral Comprehension
    • English Language
    • Oral Expression

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Postal Service Mail Carriers

    Very similar work
    +48% pay1,775 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 48% more—$63,536 vs your $43,012 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Oral Comprehension
    • English Language
    • Near Vision
    • Written Comprehension

    New skills to build

    • Sales and Marketing
    • Transportation
    • Public Safety and Security
    • Production and Processing
  • Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand

    Somewhat similar work
    +6% pay11,417 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays about 6% more—$45,611 vs your $43,012 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Near Vision
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • English Language
    • Manual Dexterity
    • Finger Dexterity

    New skills to build

    • Production and Processing
    • Mechanical
    • Public Safety and Security
    • Personnel and Human Resources
    • Multilimb Coordination