Mail, Postal, and Related Workers
(NOC 1511)
in All Business, Finance, and AdministrationThis 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
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Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
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
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,724
Minimum$35,900
Median$57,777
MaximumCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$21.03
Median$35.90
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,754
Minimum$36,515
Median$70,271
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
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 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
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Northern
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Transportation and Warehousing
Public Administration
Health Care and Social Assistance
Educational Services
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate & Leasing
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
45-54
55-64
35-44
65+
25-34
Top levels of education
High school
$33,346 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$37,661 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$40,399 median annual incomeLess than high school
$20,990 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$30,977 median annual incomeCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
College certificate or diploma
$33,837 median annual incomeHigh school
$30,074 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$39,473 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$32,871 median annual incomeLess than high school
$23,775 median annual incomeEducation & 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
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
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
6960 Mumford Road, Suite 155-1st Floor Mumford Professional Centre
Halifax, NS B3L 4P1
(902) 455-3395
222 George Street, Suite C
Sydney, NS B1P 1J3
(866) 446-5898
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.