What You'll Do

  • Press thumbs into centers of revolving clay to form hollows, and press on the inside and outside of emerging clay cylinders with hands and fingers, gradually raising and shaping clay to desired forms and sizes.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Essential Skills

Operations Monitoring 3.25/5
Operation and Control 3.12/5
Active Listening 3.0/5
Critical Thinking 3.0/5
Monitoring 3.0/5
Speaking 2.88/5
Social Perceptiveness 2.88/5
Quality Control Analysis 2.88/5
Reading Comprehension 2.75/5
Coordination 2.62/5
Complex Problem Solving 2.62/5
Judgment and Decision Making 2.62/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Artist: Creating original work and expressing ideas feels natural.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Dependability, Innovation, Cautiousness, Achievement Orientation

Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Arm-Hand Steadiness 4.0/5
Manual Dexterity 3.88/5
Finger Dexterity 3.88/5
Visualization 3.62/5
Control Precision 3.62/5
Near Vision 3.62/5
Multilimb Coordination 3.5/5
Originality 3.12/5

Technologies & Tools

Inventory control software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Outlook

Work Environment & Strengths

Common Strengths for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.46/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.19/5)
  • Innovation (High importance: 3.94/5)
  • Cautiousness (High importance: 3.84/5)
  • Achievement Orientation (High importance: 3.69/5)

Want to see how YOUR strengths align with this career?

Take Free 15-Min Assessment →

How to Become One

This career typically requires vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some specialized training or certification may also be required.

Similar Careers to Explore

Plasterers and Stucco Masons

99.9% similar profile

Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators

99.9% similar profile

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters

99.9% similar profile

Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

99.9% similar profile

Tile and Stone Setters

99.8% similar profile

Segmental Pavers

99.8% similar profile

Terrazzo Workers and Finishers

99.7% similar profile

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers

99.7% similar profile

Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Clay Mixer Glazer Jigger Artisan Jigger Machine Operator Jiggerman Kiln Worker Manufacturing Potter Pot Maker Potter Pottery and Porcelain Model Maker Pottery Machine Operator Pottery Manufacturer Production Potter Pugmill Operator Thrower