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Ceramic Instructor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Ceramic Instructor information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$22

$44

How much do ceramic instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for ceramic instructor in Virginia is $22.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.49 and $26.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Ceramic Instructor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ceramic Instructor, you need expertise in ceramics techniques, kiln operation, and safety protocols, often supported by a degree in fine arts or ceramics and teaching experience. Familiarity with various clay bodies, glazes, firing processes, and potentially pottery wheel use is essential, with some roles requiring certification in arts education or workshops in advanced ceramic processes. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to inspire creativity help instructors connect with and guide students of diverse skill levels. These abilities ensure effective instruction, a safe studio environment, and a rewarding creative experience for learners.

How to become a ceramic instructor?

To become a ceramic instructor, typically one needs a strong background in ceramics, often demonstrated by a degree in fine arts or ceramics, along with practical experience in pottery and sculpture. Developing teaching skills, obtaining relevant certifications if required, and gaining experience through workshops or assistant roles can also help qualify for instructor positions. Familiarity with studio equipment and safety procedures is essential for teaching in educational or community settings.

What can I do with a ceramics degree?

A ceramics instructor can work in art schools, community centers, or private studios teaching pottery and ceramic techniques. Graduates can also pursue careers as studio artists, gallery owners, or product designers, often utilizing skills in hand-building, wheel-throwing, and glazing. Additional opportunities include working in museums, art therapy, or developing their own ceramic products for sale.

What is the highest paying art teaching job?

The highest paying art teaching jobs are often at the university level, such as university art professors or department chairs, who can earn six-figure salaries. Private art instructors with specialized skills or those working in affluent areas or for high-end institutions may also command higher wages, especially with advanced degrees and extensive experience.

How much do pottery teachers get paid?

Pottery teachers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and the type of institution. On average, they earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, with part-time positions often paying hourly rates around $15 to $25. Certifications in art education and proficiency with pottery techniques can influence earning potential.

What is a Ceramic Instructor job?

A Ceramic Instructor teaches students how to work with clay and ceramics, covering techniques like hand-building, wheel throwing, glazing, and firing. They develop lesson plans, demonstrate methods, and provide feedback to help improve students' skills. Ceramic Instructors may work in schools, community centers, studios, or private workshops. Their role includes maintaining equipment, ensuring safety, and fostering creativity in students of all skill levels.

What are some of the typical daily responsibilities for a Ceramic Instructor?

A Ceramic Instructor’s daily responsibilities often include demonstrating ceramic techniques, supervising students during hands-on practice, and preparing materials such as clay and glazes in advance of classes. Instructors also maintain and operate studio equipment like kilns, ensure all safety procedures are followed, and provide constructive feedback to support individual artistic growth. Additionally, you may assist in planning course curricula, organizing exhibitions of student work, and collaborating with other instructors or arts staff. These varied tasks make the role both dynamic and rewarding for those passionate about teaching ceramics.

What are popular job titles related to Ceramic Instructor jobs in Virginia? For Ceramic Instructor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ceramic Instructor jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Ceramic Instructor jobs in Virginia are:

3D Fine Arts Lab Lead Technician

Northern VA Community College

Richmond, VA • On-site

$22/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Summary
Working Title
3D Fine Arts Lab Lead Technician
Role Title
Trainer Instructor I
Role Code
29111-FP
FLSA
Nonexempt
Pay Band
03
Position Number
280W1058
Agency
Northern VA Community College
Division
NV280-Provost Alexandria
Work Location
Alexandria - 510
Hiring Range
$22/hr
Emergency/Essential Personnel
No
EEO Category
2-Professionals
Full Time or Part Time
Part Time
Does this position have telework options? -Telework options are subject to change based on business needs-
Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference?
Work Schedule
  • Monday - Saturday (day or evening shift) as scheduled.
  • Not to exceed 29 hours per week.

Sensitive Position
No
Job Description
General Description
The 3D Fine Arts Lab Lead Technician is crucial to the 3D Arts program, ensuring student success by managing the ceramics studio, glaze area, kiln room, sculpture studio and sculpture classroom. The position will be responsible to maintain equipment, uphold safety protocols, and keep labs ready for student and instructional use, which allows instructors to focus more on teaching and feedback, enhancing student learning outcomes. Overall, the 3D Fine Arts Lab Lead Technician is indispensable for maintaining a functional and safe learning environment, managing resources effectively, and supporting both technical and artistic aspects of 3D Fine Arts education.
Duties and Tasks
  • Manages and maintains ceramics and sculpture labs for traditional and contemporary ceramics processes, ensuring all working areas are fully operational to support effective instruction.
  • Responsible for maintaining an extensive equipment inventory.
  • Manages, maintains, and repairs equipment, including ceramic wheels, kilns, glaze formulation scales, table saw, hack saw, scroll saw, jigsaw, belt sanders, palm sanders, nail guns, spray booths, 3D printers and scanners, and a wide array of hand tools for both ceramic and sculpture.
  • Coordinates open studio hours and staff schedules; monitors shift coverage and studio operations while liaising with the division office.
  • Coordinates gallery installation, preparation, and de-installation for the annual 3D Fine Art show or annual topics show, and pop-up shows.
  • Supports the 3D Fine Arts program with administrative work, including purchasing, inventory of equipment, and other record keeping. Serves as the program's designated Inventory Liaison for college-wide inventory reconciliation.
  • Assists faculty in daily classroom instruction and preparation, providing technical support as needed.
  • Provides direct support to 3D Fine Arts students and solves problems with equipment and software.
  • Supervises and assists students using the facilities and equipment outside of classes.

Special Assignments
May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.
KSA's/Required Qualifications
KSA's
  • Must be familiar with the function, use, and construction of a wide range of 3D Fine Arts equipment related to both ceramics and sculpture.
  • Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, clean, calibrate, and repair a wide range of equipment.
  • Must have excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and be able to work with faculty and students cooperatively.
  • Proven ability to program, load, and operate computer-controlled electric kilns.
  • Self-directedness is crucial for this role to manage multiple labs independently.
  • Ability to take the initiative in problem-solving.
  • Ability to maintain expertise through self-learning.
  • Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide clear technical instruction to a diverse population of students and faculty.
  • Knowledge in a wide array of sculpture processes. Examples include: ceramics, wood fabrication, plaster casting, and mold-making.

Minimum Work Experience:
  • Experience managing the equipment, processes, and daily functions of a ceramics and sculpture laboratory.
  • Experience with tracking inventory and staff scheduling.
  • Experience in the advanced operation and routine maintenance of industrial laboratory equipment.
  • Experience with basic software programs, including Microsoft Excel.
  • Experience working in a professional Fine Arts studio environment, or academic laboratory.

Additional Considerations
Additional Considerations:
  • Experience in the management of ceramics and sculpture laboratory facilities.
  • Previous experience as a 3D Fine Arts Laboratory Technician or in a comparable role.
  • Experience or interest in emerging technologies, such as 3D scanning, 3D printing, and digital fabrication as applied to fine arts.

Operation of a State Vehicle
No
Supervises Employees
No
Required Travel
N/A
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
WGE_3289P
Recruitment Type
General Public - G
Number of Vacancies
1
Position End Date (if temporary)
Job Open Date
07/16/2026
Job Close Date
08/02/2026
Open Until Filled
Agency Website
www.nvcc.edu
Contact Name
Email
Phone Number
Special Instructions to Applicants
In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth's Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter. To request an AHP Letter, use this link: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155
Additional Information
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is the largest public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia and one of the largest community colleges in the nation. NOVA enrolls nearly 75,000 students on its six campuses in Alexandria, Annandale, Sterling, Manassas, Springfield, and Woodbridge, as well as through NOVA Online and high school dual enrollment programs. The College offers more than 100 affordable associate degree and certificate programs to help our students reach their academic and professional goals in some of the most in-demand careers.
At NOVA, we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive community for all students, faculty, and staff, and our diverse workforce is representative of this commitment. To this end, we encourage all applicants seeking to add value through their diverse backgrounds, experiences, and interests to consider employment opportunities with NOVA. To learn more about NOVA's commitment to inclusive excellence, please visit At a Glance | Northern Virginia Community College.
NOVA offers eligible employees a benefits package that includes a comprehensive health and dental insurance program, generous paid leave, deferred compensation plans, paid parental leave, state employee discounts, and a solid and secure retirement program. We strive to ensure our employees have tools and development opportunities to support and promote NOVA's mission. For more information about NOVA and its programs and services, please visit our website at www.nvcc.edu.The security of our students, faculty, and staff is very important at NOVA. Please take a moment to review NOVA's Annual Security Reports.
Employees must reside in Virginia, Maryland or District of Columbia
Advertising Summary |
Background Check Statement Disclaimer
The selected candidate's offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth's Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/
EEO Statement
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.
ADA Statement
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.
E-Verify Statement
VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.
Quicklink for Posting
https://jobs.vccs.edu/postings/98530