Potters, Manufacturing

Operate production machines such as pug mill, jigger machine, or potter's wheel to process clay in manufacture of ceramic, pottery and stoneware products.

Median Annual Wage: $29,820

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (24%); Associate's degree (20%); Bachelor's degree (17%)

Projected Growth: Average (8% to 14%)

Related Job Titles: Glazer; Potter; Production Potter; Clay Mixer; Jigger Artisan; Jigger Machine Operator

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Potters, Manufacturing.

More Production Careers

  • Adjust wheel speeds according to the feel of the clay as pieces enlarge and walls become thinner.
  • Mix and apply glazes, and load glazed pieces into kilns for firing.
  • Position balls of clay in centers of potters' wheels, and start motors or pump treadles with feet to revolve wheels.
  • Raise and shape clay into wares such as vases and pitchers, on revolving wheels, using hands, fingers, and thumbs.
  • Prepare work for sale or exhibition, and maintain relationships with retail, pottery, art, and resource networks that can facilitate sale or exhibition of work.
  • Smooth surfaces of finished pieces, using rubber scrapers and wet sponges.
  • Design clay forms and molds, and decorations for forms.
  • Move pieces from wheels so that they can dry.
  • Pull wires through bases of articles and wheels to separate finished pieces.
  • Examine finished ware for defects and measure dimensions, using rule and thickness gauge.
  • Perform test-fires of pottery to determine how to achieve specific colors and textures.
  • Maintain supplies of tools, equipment, and materials, and order additional supplies as needed.
  • Verify accuracy of shapes and sizes of objects, using calipers and templates.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Potters, Manufacturing.

  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Potters, Manufacturing.

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