Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (occupation group), with detailed role definition from O*NET, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
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.
Top skills:Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlMonitoringCritical ThinkingActive ListeningSpeaking
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Potters, Manufacturing pay by experience level
Entry level$37,000
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$40,500
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$48,000
Mid-career median pay
Senior$55,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$63,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+6.2%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
5,500
projected openings per year
Growing about as fast as average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Potters, Manufacturing salary by industry
Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing
22,100 workers
$49,000
Specialty Trade Contractors
3,080 workers
$53,500
Building Finishing Contractors
2,560 workers
$54,500
Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing
1,860 workers
$46,500
Miscellaneous Manufacturing
1,620 workers
$47,500
Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing
1,360 workers
$46,500
Administrative and Support Services
1,000 workers
$37,000
Employment Services
1,000 workers
$37,000
Plastics Product Manufacturing
980 workers
$42,500
Rubber Product Manufacturing
880 workers
$50,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Potters, Manufacturing pays 13% below the average across 112 roles in the Production job family (family average $56,000).
