Job Description for a Mailroom Clerk

Clerical Duties

Mailroom clerks receive stacks of bundled mail from postal carriers. They then load it on mail carts and distribute it to employees' mail slots or desks, or to administrative assistants who receive mail for executives. In this job, you also pick up outgoing mail and packages, weigh them, check postal rates, stamp and mail them. Answering employees' questions about mailings and arranging special mailings are some other responsibilities of mailroom clerks. Receptionists may also need you to answer phones while they go on breaks.

Administrative Duties

The administrative responsibilities of a mailroom clerk include recording and stocking incoming supplies in the mailroom -- copy paper, envelopes, writing instruments, stampers and ink, among other items. You must also maintain this inventory and order supplies or mailing equipment when needed. If you are highly experienced in your field, you may train other mail clerks on mailing policies and procedures.

Work Environment

Most mailroom clerks work in offices, Monday to Friday, during the day. Some offices have mailrooms that run all night. Some overtime may be required for large outgoing mailings, especially if you are collating letters or brochures and stuffing and stamping the envelopes. You may spend hours on your feet working as a mailroom clerk. And, at times, you may be lifting moderately heavy boxes and packages.

Education and Training

A mailroom clerk is usually required to have a high school diploma or GED, as math and interpersonal skills are necessary in this job. Training is mostly done on the job. You may work with a mailroom supervisor to learn basic mailroom operations. You also need to learn where all employees and their mailboxes are located.

Average Salary and Job Outlook

Mailroom clerks earned an average salary of $28,010 per year as of May 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You would make more than $40,670 annually if you are among the top 10 percent in earnings. These professionals earned the highest annual salaries of $39,900 working for aerospace products and parts manufacturers. The top paying districts or states were the District of Columbia, Massachusetts and New York -- $38,490, $31,970 and $31,690 per year, respectively.

The BLS reported that jobs for mailroom clerks are expected to increase 12 percent between 2010 and 2020, which is slightly less than the national average of 14 percent for all jobs.