A potter in manufacturing shapes clay and other materials into finished products using wheels, molds, and kilns. The work is hands-on, creative, and technical. You can enter the field with some college education and on-the-job training.
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Potters in manufacturing operate equipment to form clay and ceramic materials into products like dishes, tiles, and decorative items. You'll monitor machines, inspect finished pieces for quality, and adjust processes to meet specifications. The work involves both creative design decisions and precise technical control. You'll handle materials, organize production schedules, and sometimes work with glazes and other chemical treatments. Problem-solving and attention to detail matter as much as artistic skill.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Potters, Manufacturing earn a median of $46,170 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, with about 5,500 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most potters start with some college coursework in fine arts, ceramics, or manufacturing. You'll learn clay preparation, wheel throwing, kiln operation, and quality control through classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Many programs pair theory with studio work. After formal training, you'll typically complete on-the-job training at a pottery or ceramic manufacturing facility, where experienced potters teach you production workflows and equipment-specific techniques. Job Zone 3 preparation means medium complexity work that builds over time.
Your path might start with a community college ceramics or manufacturing program, then move into a production role where you train on the job. If you're exploring whether pottery manufacturing fits your skills and interests, Pathly can map the potter, manufacturing path that fits you with your counselor to map out the steps that work for your timeline.
You're drawn to hands-on, practical work where you can see the results of your effort. You enjoy working with tools and machines, solving real problems, and creating tangible products.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).