Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $56,450 -0.1% vs national
Median hourly $27.14
10th percentile $42,600
90th percentile $74,050
Employed locally 5,450
National median $56,530

Compare Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators salary & buying power

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Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
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    In Chicago, IL-IN, Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators earn a median annual salary of $56,450, which is slightly below the national median of $56,530. This figure translates to a median hourly wage of $27.14. When compared to the local area's median household income of $88,850, workers in this occupation typically earn less than half of what the average household earns. The difference highlights how individual earnings within this profession may not fully support a household on their own, potentially necessitating additional income sources or dual-income households.

    Entry-level workers in this field earn around the 10th percentile salary mark at $42,600 annually, whereas more experienced professionals can reach earnings near the 90th percentile of $74,050. This significant range is driven by factors such as experience, efficiency, and any specialized skills that increase productivity or reduce error rates in mail sorting and processing tasks. As workers gain experience and possibly take on supervisory roles or manage more complex machinery, their compensation tends to increase accordingly. The variance in earnings reflects the value placed on expertise and operational proficiency within this occupation.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $42,600
    25th
    $45,990
    50th (median)
    $56,450
    75th
    $72,970
    90th
    $74,050

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators salary vs area income 64% Median Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators salary is 36% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators in Chicago, IL-IN is $27.14, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $36.19 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators salaries?

    The median Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 0.1% below the national median of $56,530. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators in Chicago?

    Entry-level Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators (10th percentile) earn around $42,600 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $45,990.