What they 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.
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Also called: |
Clay Mixer, Glazer, Jigger Artisan, Jigger Machine Operator, Jiggerman, Kiln Worker, Potter, Pottery Manufacturer, Production Potter, Pugmill Operator
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Wages
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Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic* |
Vermont - 2023 |
Percentile1 | Hourly | Yearly |
10% |
$ 18.78 |
$39,060 |
25% |
$ 20.63 |
$42,910 |
Median |
$ 22.74 |
$47,300 |
75% |
$ 29.78 |
$61,950 |
90% |
$ 36.30 |
$75,510 |
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Average |
$ 25.28 |
$52,580 |
* You're seeing information for "Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic" because it includes "Potters, Manufacturing" for which wage information is not available. |
1 What are Percentile Wages? |
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Industries of Employment
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic* |
United States - 2020 |
Industry | Percent of total |
- Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing
| 50% |
| 10% |
- Plastics and rubber products manufacturing
| 8% |
- Miscellaneous manufacturing
| 5% |
- Administrative and support services
| 4% |
* You're seeing information for "Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic" because it includes "Potters, Manufacturing" for which industries of employment information is not available. |
More at BLS |
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Knowledge
People in this career often know a lot about: |
- Fine Arts
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
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- Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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- Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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- Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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- Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
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Skills
People in this career often have these skills: |
- Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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- Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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- 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.
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- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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- Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Interests
People in this career often prefer these work environments: |
- Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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- Artistic
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
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Work Styles
People in this career will do well at jobs that need: |
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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- Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
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- Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
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- Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
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- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
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Tasks
On the job, you would: |
- Operate gas or electric kilns to fire pottery pieces.
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- Mix and apply glazes to pottery pieces, using tools, such as spray guns.
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- Raise and shape clay into wares, such as vases and pitchers, on revolving wheels, using hands, fingers, and thumbs.
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- Adjust wheel speeds according to the feel of the clay as pieces enlarge and walls become thinner.
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- Position balls of clay in centers of potters' wheels, and start motors or pump treadles with feet to revolve wheels.
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Related Occupations
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Career Video
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Projected Employment
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Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic* |
Vermont |
2020 employment |
465 |
2030 employment |
573 |
Annual percent change (compounded) |
2.1% |
Annual projected job openings (due to change and separations) |
64 |
* You're seeing information for "Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic" because it includes "Potters, Manufacturing" for which projected employment information is not available. |
More at Occupational Projections |
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Education and Experience:
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic* |
- Typical education needed for entry
High school diploma or equivalent
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- Work experience in a related occupation
None
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- Typical on-the-job training needed to attain competency
Long-term on-the-job training
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* You're seeing information for "Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic" because it includes "Potters, Manufacturing" for which education and experience information is not available. |
Based on BLS Education and Training Classifications |
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Physical Work Activity
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
- Physical activity is Very Important
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- Level of activity is Moderate
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Low | | High |
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Job Zone
Medium Preparation Needed |
- Specific Vocational Preparation Range
(6.0 to < 7.0) - A typical worker will require
over 1 year up to and including 2 years
of training to achieve average performance in this occupation.
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Based on O*Net Job Zones and SVP |
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Education Level
How much education do most people in this career have? |
Education level | | Percent of U.S. Workers |
Doctoral or professional degree or post-MA certificate | | 0% |
Master's degree or post-BA certificate | | 5% |
Bachelor's degree | | 18% |
Associate's degree | | 0% |
Certificate or some college, no degree | | 31% |
High school diploma or equivalent | | 30% |
Less than high school diploma | | 16% |
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Abilities
People in this career often have talent in: |
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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- Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
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- Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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- Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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- Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Work Activities
In general, what you might do: |
- Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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- Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
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- Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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- Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
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- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Detailed Work Activities
What you might do in a day: |
- Operate heating or drying equipment.
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- Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
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- Shape clay or dough to create products.
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- Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products.
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- Mix ingredients to create specific finishes.
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Other Resources
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- CareerOneStop
resource for job seekers, students, businessess and career professionals
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- O*NET Online
nation's primary source of occupational information
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