Mail, Postal, and Related Workers

(NOC 1511)

in All Business, Finance, and Administration

This group includes workers who process and sort mail and parcels in post offices, mail processing plants and internal mail rooms, and clerks who serve customers and record transactions at sales counters and postal wickets. Mail, postal and related workers are employed by Canada Post Corporation, courier and parcel express companies and establishments throughout the public and private sectors.

Job Outlook

Average

Estimate decline slightly employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 85 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate Low rate of unemployment in 2016

Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration

Estimate Moderate growth employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 6600 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate Low rate of unemployment in 2016

The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline slightly over the next few years, which may affect the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Mail, Postal, and Related Workers may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.

The median employment income for 44% of Mail, Postal, and Related Workers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $51,778. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)

Hourly Pay

$16.05

Minimum

$25.73

Median

$28.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$2,724

Minimum

$35,900

Median

$57,777

Maximum

Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration

Hourly Pay

$13.00

Minimum

$21.03

Median

$35.90

Maximum

Annual Pay

$6,754

Minimum

$36,515

Median

$70,271

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Job duties

The following is a summary of main duties for some jobs in this group:

Postal workers calculate and affix the correct postage on letters, parcels and registered mail and receive payment from customers; sell stamps, prepaid mail and courier envelopes and money orders; route mail to the proper delivery stream; sign or obtain signatures from recipients for registered or special delivery mail and keep records; answer inquiries and complete forms regarding change of address, theft or loss of mail; and record and balance daily transactions.
Mail sorters sort mail according to destination; bundle, label, bag and route sorted mail to the proper delivery stream; and search directories to find the correct address for redirected mail.
Mail room clerks receive, process, sort and distribute incoming and outgoing mail, faxes, messages and courier packages manually or electronically; maintain address databases and produce personalized mailings; print and photocopy material, and address and stuff envelopes; weigh outgoing mail, calculate and affix proper postage, and bundle by postal code; and may operate and maintain print shop and mailing house equipment.

Sample job titles

letter sorting clerk
mail clerk
mail counter clerk
mail distribution clerk
mail filing clerk
mail handler
mail processing clerk
mail sorter
post office clerk
postal clerk

Skills

To work in this field, you must be organized, responsible, and reliable. Your work must be accurate. Good health and physical stamina may be needed.

Job requirements

Completion of high school and some college office administration courses may be required.

Other considerations

The increased usage of electronic mail and other electronic means of exchanging information will limit new job growth in these jobs and affect the nature of the duties performed. Progression to supervisory or facility management positions is possible with additional training or experience.

By the numbers

Quick look

910

employed in 2016

55.7%

employed full-time

1.1%

self employed

67.3%

32.7%

median age

Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration

63,775

employed in 2016

81.3%

employed full-time

6.6%

self employed

73.4%

26.6%

47.9

median age

Where will I likely work?

49.5%

Halifax

16.8%

Northern

13.6%

Cape Breton

10.5%

Annapolis Valley

9.1%

Southern

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

Northern

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

83.0%

Transportation and Warehousing

6.6%

Public Administration

2.2%

Health Care and Social Assistance

1.1%

Educational Services

1.1%

Finance, Insurance, Real Estate & Leasing

What is the age of Employment?

29.7%

45-54

28.9%

55-64

22.7%

35-44

7.8%

25-34

6.3%

65+

4.7%

15-24

Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration

36.5%

45-54

28.0%

55-64

18.6%

35-44

10.7%

65+

6.0%

25-34

Top levels of education

39.1%

High school

$33,346 median annual income

27.4%

College certificate or diploma

$37,661 median annual income

12.6%

Bachelor's degree

$40,399 median annual income

8.8%

Less than high school

$20,990 median annual income

8.4%

Trades certificate

$30,977 median annual income

Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration

34.4%

College certificate or diploma

$33,837 median annual income

23.7%

High school

$30,074 median annual income

22.9%

Bachelor's degree

$39,473 median annual income

5.8%

Trades certificate

$32,871 median annual income

4.7%

Less than high school

$23,775 median annual income

Education & training

Adult high school/secondary diploma programs

This program is typically offered at the high school level.

The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.

Institutions providing this program

Universite Sainte-Anne

Siège Social: 1695, Route 1

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0

(902) 769-2114

Blanche.Theriault@usainteanne.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College - Adult Learning

PO Box 220

Halifax, NS B3J 2M4

(866) 679-6722

admissions@nscc.ca

Website

Adult High Schools

Various, NS

Website

Community Learning Organizations

Various, NS

Website

General office occupations and clerical services

This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.

This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to provide basic administrative support under the supervision of office managers, administrative assistants, secretaries, and other office personnel. These programs include courses in typing, keyboarding, filing, general business correspondence, office equipment operation, and communications skills.

Institutions providing this program

Academy of Learning - Halifax

6960 Mumford Road, Suite 155-1st Floor Mumford Professional Centre

Halifax, NS B3L 4P1

(902) 455-3395

careers@aolhrm.com

Website

Centre for Distance Education

222 George Street, Suite C

Sydney, NS B1P 1J3

(866) 446-5898

info@cd-ed.com