The short version. To become a USPS postal clerk, apply through the USPS Careers site (usps.com/careers) for a Postal Support Employee (PSE) or career-clerk posting in your zip code, take the required Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA 476 for clerks), pass a background check and drug screen, and complete USPS training. Almost all clerks start as a PSE - a non-career, hourly role that pays around $19-$21/hr with limited benefits - and convert to a career clerk (regular full-time or part-time regular) after 12-36 months. Career clerks join APWU, get federal benefits (FEHB, FEGLI, TSP, FERS), and step up on a fixed wage schedule that clears $70K-$85K at senior steps. See the resume example.
What a postal clerk does
A USPS postal clerk works at a post office window or in a mail-processing facility. Window clerks serve customers at the counter - selling stamps and packaging, processing money orders, weighing packages, handling passport applications, and accepting mail for outgoing dispatch. Distribution and mail-processing clerks work behind the scenes - sorting mail on automated machines, running scanners, handling parcels, and moving product between shifts. Depending on the facility, a clerk might rotate through both roles.
The job is federal - USPS is an independent agency of the executive branch, not a private company. That distinction matters: federal benefits (FEHB health insurance, TSP retirement plan with match, FERS pension) apply once you convert to a career position, and hiring runs through the USPS eCareer system on set procedures and equal-opportunity rules. Once you clear PSE and become a career clerk, the job comes with meaningful stability and step progression through a wage schedule negotiated by APWU.
USPS position categories
| Category | Career or non-career | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PSE (Postal Support Employee) | Non-career | First entry point for most new hires. Hourly, limited benefits, no guaranteed hours. Typically 360-day appointments that can be renewed. |
| PTF (Part-Time Flexible) | Career | Union member, federal benefits, but no guaranteed weekly hours - you fill in as needed. |
| Part-Time Regular | Career | Fixed schedule, part-time hours, full career benefits. |
| Regular Full-Time | Career | The target - 40 hours per week fixed schedule, full benefits, APWU membership, seniority accrual. |
The step-by-step USPS hiring process
Confirm eligibility
You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with employment eligibility. You must be at least 18 (or 16 with a diploma), pass a criminal background check (some felonies are disqualifying), pass a pre-employment drug screen, and if male, be registered with Selective Service.
Create a USPS eCareer profile
Register at usps.com/careers. Set your contact info, work history, and preferred locations. This profile is what you'll use for every application - build it carefully and completely.
Search for postings in your area
Search for "Postal Support Employee (PSE) - Sales & Services / Distribution Associate" or "Clerk" in your zip code. Postings come and go; check twice a week. Most first-time applicants enter as a PSE - direct-to-career-clerk hires are rare and highly competitive.
Take the Virtual Entry Assessment
The clerk exam is VEA 476. It takes about 45 minutes online and covers work scenarios ("What would you do if...?"), a "tell us your story" section, and basic skills. Score 70+ to be eligible; 80+ makes you competitive. You'll get your score right away.
Interview (sometimes) and background
Some postings require an interview at the facility; others convert VEA score directly to an offer. USPS then runs a background check (5 years of employment, references, criminal), verifies citizenship, and schedules the drug screen. This phase can take 2-6 weeks.
Attend orientation and training
One-day orientation covers HR, ID, and safety. Job Instruction (JI) training covers the specific machines and processes for your facility. Most new hires start under a lead clerk for guided on-the-job time. Probationary period is 90 days for PSEs.
Convert to career clerk
PSEs are typically eligible to convert to a career position (PTF, PT Regular, or Regular Full-Time) after 12-36 months, based on facility need, seniority, and available career slots. Conversion opens APWU union membership, FEHB, TSP, and FERS.
The Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA)
The VEA replaced the older 473 exam a few years ago. Four versions matter:
| Version | For |
|---|---|
| VEA 474 | City Carrier |
| VEA 475 | Mail Handler |
| VEA 476 | Clerk |
| VEA 477 | Customer Service, Postal Clerk (alternate) |
The VEA 476 typically includes: work scenarios (multiple-choice, "your supervisor asks you to..."), a personal-experience section, and a check-your-skills section. Score 70+ to be eligible. USPS does not publish official prep materials. Free study guides online cover the format well; do at least one full practice run before you take it.
Pay by step - PSE to career clerk
| Position | Typical pay (2026 estimate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PSE Sales & Services | $19 - $21 / hour | No cost-of-living increases, limited benefits. |
| PTF (Part-Time Flexible) - Step A | $21 - $23 / hour | APWU wage schedule, benefits, seniority accrual. |
| Regular Full-Time Grade 6 Step B | $50K - $55K annual | Fixed schedule, career benefits. |
| Grade 6 Step L (top) | $70K - $76K annual | Reached with roughly 12-14 years of career service. |
| Grade 7 top | $75K - $85K annual | Higher-skill windows, lead clerks. |
Per BLS OES (May 2024), the national median for Postal Service Clerks (SOC 43-5051) is $61,350 - a blend of career-clerk step levels.
Benefits and union
Career clerks receive:
- FEHB - Federal Employees Health Benefits; low employee cost share.
- FEGLI - Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance.
- TSP - Thrift Savings Plan (federal 401k) with agency match up to 5%.
- FERS - Federal Employees Retirement System defined-benefit pension.
- Annual and sick leave that accrue by years of service.
- APWU membership - representation, grievance handling, collective bargaining. Dues ~1.3%.
PSEs get more limited benefits - some sick leave, holiday pay, and access to a career path, but no FEHB and no TSP match while non-career. The full federal benefits package kicks in on conversion.
Mistakes applicants make
Build your USPS application.
See the postal clerk resume example, then use Backstage to build yours with eCareer-friendly formatting.
See the resume example ->Related examples & guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between PSE, PTF, and career clerk?
PSE (Postal Support Employee) is non-career, hourly, and does not have full federal benefits - most first-time hires enter here and it's essentially a probationary/temp period that can last 12-36 months. PTF (Part-Time Flexible) is a career position with union membership, federal benefits, and a fixed wage schedule but no guaranteed weekly hours. Regular Full-Time and Part-Time Regular are the top-tier career positions with fixed schedules, full benefits, and clear step progression.
What is the Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA)?
The VEA is USPS's online hiring assessment that replaced the older 473 exam. There are four current VEA versions: 474 (for mail carriers), 475 (for mail handlers), 476 (for clerks), and 477 (for customer service and other clerk positions). It takes about 30-45 minutes online, covers work scenarios, tell-us-your-story questions, and basic skills. Score 70+ to be eligible; 80+ is competitive.
Can I take the VEA more than once?
You cannot retake the VEA for at least 12 months after your last attempt (some sources indicate 12 months for the same version). Study before you take it. USPS provides no official study materials, but many free and paid prep guides cover the format and scenario types.
How long does the USPS hiring process take?
From application to first day on the job typically 3-8 weeks. Some facilities move faster during peak-season hiring (August-November for the holiday surge). Delays are usually in the background check or drug screen phase; make sure your address and employment history in eCareer is complete and accurate.
Do I need a college degree?
No. A high-school diploma or GED is the only educational requirement. Prior mail, warehouse, cashier, customer-service, or military experience is helpful on the application and in the VEA.
What is APWU?
APWU is the American Postal Workers Union - the union that represents clerks, maintenance, motor vehicle service, and support workers at USPS. Career clerks are eligible to join APWU. Dues are around 1.3% of pay. Membership includes representation on grievances, collective bargaining, and the union's political advocacy. In most metros joining is standard practice.