I make reduction-fired stoneware—mostly large functional forms. I love the artisanal challenge of making a really good ceramic piece—one that gets reached for and used. I also love the earthy, ancient, feel of stoneware clay as a raw material. My work is a collaboration with the earth. Together we strive for beauty.
CAREER
Potters, Manufacturing
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$35,440
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
-6.1% (decline)
Most Common Level of Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Potters, Manufacturing Do
Operate production machines such as pug mill, jigger machine, or potter's wheel to process clay in manufacture of ceramic, pottery and stoneware products.
Other Job Titles Potters, Manufacturing May Have
Clay Mixer, Glazer, Jigger Artisan, Jigger Machine Operator, Jiggerman, Kiln Worker, Potter, Pottery Manufacturer, Production Potter, Pugmill Operator
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Operate gas or electric kilns to fire pottery pieces.
- Mix and apply glazes to pottery pieces, using tools, such as spray guns.
- Raise and shape clay into wares, such as vases and pitchers, on revolving wheels, using hands, fingers, and thumbs.
- Adjust wheel speeds according to the feel of the clay as pieces enlarge and walls become thinner.
- Position balls of clay in centers of potters' wheels, and start motors or pump treadles with feet to revolve wheels.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Potters, Manufacturing
Most common level of education among people in
this career: High school diploma or equivalent (31%)
Less than high school diploma
High school diploma or equivalent
Bachelor's degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
I am a bit of an introvert, but to do this work you have to enjoy or at least be comfortable working with other people. Learn how to be an effective teacher and how to adapt your teaching style to the way different people learn.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
Everyone
Take the leap! If you want to change or do something different, then you can't overthink it. Just do it.
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
