Dry press operator
Also known as: brick & tile dry press operator, dry press tender, presser, brick and tile dry press operator, dry press worker, dry-press operator
About this occupation
Dry press operators press dry tempered clay or silica into bricks and other shapes. They select and fix the pressing dies, using rule and wenches. Dry press operators remove the bricks from the press machine and stack them in a specified pattern on the kiln car.
Essential skills and knowledge
- monitor gauge
- measure materials
- transfer bricks
- replace die
- optimise production processes parameters
- use wrenches
- tend dry-press
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Potters, Manufacturing (O*NET 51-9195.05). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Move pieces from wheels so that they can dry.
- Typical education (US)
- Some College Courses
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Artistic
Top skills: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Speaking
US median pay: US$46,170 a year (2025), 33,190 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Fine Art or Music or Drama and TheatreO*NET: Fine ArtsVery important (4.0)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (3.6)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.3)
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryImportant (3.2)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Some College Courses
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
- Craft Artists
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
- Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing
- Etchers and Engravers
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers
- Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers
- Sewers, Hand
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.