AITakeover Tracker
46%medium risk

Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service

Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution. Use hand or mail handling machines to time stamp, open, read, sort, and route incoming mail; and address, seal, stamp, fold, stuff, and affix postage to outgoing mail or packages. Duties may also include keeping necessary records and completed forms.

Higher risk than 93% of occupations

AI Impact Summary

Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 46/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 93% of all analyzed occupations. Of 29 analyzed tasks, 11 are highly automatable, particularly routine cognitive tasks. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.

Skill Impact Analysis

AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)

Information Ordering5%

High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Reading Comprehension10%

Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Mathematics10%

Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Mathematics10%

Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Memorization5%

Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Programming15%

Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

AI-Resistant Skills (11)

Adaptability/Flexibility85%

Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Leadership88%

Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Manual Dexterity80%

Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Coordination70%

Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Social Perceptiveness90%

Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Service Orientation82%

Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Complex Problem Solving75%

Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Instructing75%

Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

AI-Augmented Skills (7)

Critical ThinkingMonitoringWritingJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningSystems AnalysisTechnology Design

Recommended Courses

Courses matched to Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.

Get personalized recommendations. Answer a few questions about your experience and skills to get course suggestions tailored specifically to you.

Upskill to Reduce Risk

Courses addressing your most AI-vulnerable skills

DataCampbeginner

SQL Fundamentals Skill Track

by DataCamp

21 hours$25/mo4.7Certificate
Addresses vulnerability: Information Ordering

Estimated Impact

-6.8pt risk+$2K/yr salary

AI-Augmentation Tools

Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity

Coursera

Creative Writing Specialization

by Wesleyan University

~8 weeks$49/mo4.7Certificate
Enhances AI augmentation: Writing

Estimated Impact

-4.8pt risk+$2K/yr salary

Strengthen Your Edge

Double down on skills AI can't replicate

Courseraintermediate

Leading People and Teams Specialization

by University of Michigan

~6 weeks$49/mo4.7Certificate
Strengthens resilience: Leadership

Estimated Impact

-3.6pt risk+$2K/yr salary

We may earn a commission when you enroll through our links, at no extra cost to you. This helps fund the Takeover Tracker.

Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.

Education & Training

Percentage of workers at each education and training level

Education Level

Less than High School45%
High School Diploma48%
Associate's Degree6%

Prior Experience Needed

Work experience required to enter this job

None93%
Up to 1 month1%
1-3 months2%
1-2 years3%

Training Provided After Hiring

How long it typically takes to learn on the job

Up to 1 month38%
1-3 months53%
6 months - 1 year7%
1-2 years2%

How AI Impacts Each Task

29 tasks analyzed

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

Risk: 41.0%AI: 20EstimatedTime: 4%

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

Risk: 86.0%AI: 92EstimatedTime: 4%

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

Risk: 76.0%AI: 67EstimatedTime: 3%

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

Risk: 86.0%AI: 92EstimatedTime: 5%

Operate embossing machines or typewriters to make corrections, additions, and changes to address plates.

Risk: 74.0%AI: 62EstimatedTime: 2%

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

Risk: 57.0%AI: 60EstimatedTime: 5%

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

Risk: 51.0%AI: 45EstimatedTime: 8%

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

Risk: 49.0%AI: 40EstimatedTime: 3%

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

Risk: 84.0%AI: 87EstimatedTime: 4%

Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters.

Risk: 53.0%AI: 50EstimatedTime: 5%

Release packages or letters to customers upon presentation of written notices or other identification.

Risk: 78.0%AI: 72EstimatedTime: 3%

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

Risk: 71.0%AI: 54.47ObservedTime: 4%

Accept and check containers of mail or parcels from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors.

Risk: 76.0%AI: 67EstimatedTime: 4%

Answer inquiries regarding shipping or mailing policies.

Risk: 47.0%AI: 80EstimatedTime: 3%

Lift and unload containers of mail or parcels onto equipment for transportation to sortation stations.

Risk: 49.0%AI: 40EstimatedTime: 4%

Contact delivery or courier services to arrange delivery of letters and parcels.

Risk: 86.0%AI: 92EstimatedTime: 2%

Place incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and place identifying tags on sacks or bins.

Risk: 53.0%AI: 50EstimatedTime: 5%

Mail merchandise samples or promotional literature in response to requests.

Risk: 57.0%AI: 60EstimatedTime: 2%

Adjust guides, rollers, loose card inserters, weighing machines, and tying arms, using rules and hand tools.

Risk: 41.0%AI: 20EstimatedTime: 2%

Clear jams in sortation equipment.

Risk: 15.0%AI: 15EstimatedTime: 3%

Read production orders to determine types and sizes of items scheduled for printing and mailing.

Risk: 86.0%AI: 92EstimatedTime: 2%

Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines.

Risk: 51.0%AI: 45EstimatedTime: 4%

Sell mail products, and accept payment for products and mailing charges.

Risk: 84.0%AI: 87EstimatedTime: 3%

Start machines that automatically feed plates, stencils, or tapes through mechanisms, and observe machine operations to detect any malfunctions.

Risk: 53.0%AI: 50EstimatedTime: 3%

Insert material for printing or addressing into loading racks on machines, select type or die sizes, and position plates, stencils, or tapes in machine magazines.

Risk: 45.0%AI: 30EstimatedTime: 2%

Stamp dates and times of receipt of incoming mail.

Risk: 59.0%AI: 65EstimatedTime: 3%

Add ink, fill paste reservoirs, and change machine ribbons when necessary.

Risk: 43.0%AI: 25EstimatedTime: 2%

Use equipment, such as forklifts and automated "trains," to move containers of mail.

Risk: 61.0%AI: 70EstimatedTime: 2%

Fold letters or circulars and insert them in envelopes.

Risk: 57.0%AI: 60EstimatedTime: 4%

Protective Factors

Total protective discount: 24.5%

Essential Soft Skills

Traits that are hard for AI to replicate

IntegritySelf ControlDependabilityAttention to DetailCooperationStress ToleranceAdaptability/FlexibilityInitiativeIndependenceConcern for OthersPersistenceSocial Orientation

Wage & Employment (2024)

Median Wage

$38,150

per year

Mean Wage

$40,200

per year

Employment

63K

workers

Wage Range

$29,460 - $52,150

10th - 90th pct

Wage Distribution

$29,460Median: $38,150$52,150
Career Planning

Explore other career paths

Compare displacement risk across occupations and find careers with stronger long-term prospects.

Alternate Career Paths

See all transitions

Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers

26%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $35,950

Higher risk than 23% of other occupations

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers

32%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $47,460

Higher risk than 50% of other occupations

Print Binding and Finishing Workers

37%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $39,820

Higher risk than 71% of other occupations

Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers

40%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $47,260

Higher risk than 79% of other occupations

Sewing Machine Operators

43%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $36,000

Higher risk than 89% of other occupations

Team Assemblers

44%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 89% of other occupations

Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators

46%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $46,390

Higher risk than 92% of other occupations

Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators

46%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $56,530

Higher risk than 94% of other occupations

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders

47%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $40,900

Higher risk than 95% of other occupations

Shipping, Receiving, and Traffic Clerks

51%
High Risk

Median salary: $43,190

Higher risk than 97% of other occupations

Sales Managers

25%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 20% of other occupations

Chief Executives

26%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 23% of other occupations

General and Operations Managers

28%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 29% of other occupations

Marketing Managers

30%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 38% of other occupations

Advertising and Promotions Managers

31%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 43% of other occupations

Computer and Information Systems Managers

31%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 45% of other occupations

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Recommendations

Skills to Develop

These skills are at risk from AI automation. Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service professionals should diversify beyond them.

  • Information Ordering

    High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

  • Reading Comprehension

    Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

  • Mathematics

    Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

  • Mathematics

    Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

  • Memorization

    Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Skills to Leverage

These human-centric skills remain difficult for AI to replicate. Double down here.

  • Adaptability/Flexibility

    Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

  • Leadership

    Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

  • Manual Dexterity

    Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

  • Coordination

    Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

  • Social Perceptiveness

    Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Tools to Adopt

AI can amplify these skills. Learn the tools that augment rather than replace your work.

  • Critical Thinking

    Critical Thinking will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.

  • Monitoring

    Monitoring will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.

  • Writing

    Writing will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.

  • Judgment and Decision Making

    Judgment and Decision Making will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.

  • Active Learning

    Active Learning will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.

Score History

Risk score over 2 scoring runs

-2.0

overall change

Checking for existing plan...