Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service vs. Office Clerks, General: Who Earns More?
Office Clerks, General out-earn Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service by $6K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service land at $39,280 and Office Clerks, General at $45,010. The education gap is real: mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while office clerks, general programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service is District of Columbia ($49,240); for Office Clerks, General it's District of Columbia ($55,040).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service or Office Clerks, General?
Office Clerks, General earn more nationally. The median is $39,280 for Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service versus $45,010 for Office Clerks, General, a difference of $6K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service or Office Clerks, General?
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service has the better 10-year outlook at -6.6% projected growth, compared to -6.7% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service or Office Clerks, General?
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Office Clerks, General requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service at $49,240/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service vs. Office Clerks, General pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service earn $49,240 vs. $55,040 for Office Clerks, General. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.