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Clay Sculpting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Milling Machine Operator

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

Clay Sculpting experience * Fabrication experience (wood, metal, plastic) * Automotive paint experience * Capacity and desire for leadership * Excellent verbal and written communication skills * Self ...

Milling Machine Operator

Auburn Hills, MI

$16.50 - $22/hr

Clay Sculpting experience * Fabrication experience (wood, metal, plastic) * Automotive paint experience * Capacity and desire for leadership * Excellent verbal and written communication skills * Self ...

Knowledge of sculpting materials such as foam, clay, epoxy, and fiberglass. * Ability to read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, and artistic references. * Creative problem solving.

Responsible for using a variety of techniques to mold and create aesthetically pleasing three-dimensional objects, including carving, shaping clay, whittling, or chiseling. Material used in sculpting ...

Responsible for using a variety of techniques to mold and create aesthetically pleasing three-dimensional objects, including carving, shaping clay, whittling, or chiseling. Material used in sculpting ...

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Clay Sculpting information

See salary details

$35K

$87.7K

$148K

How much do clay sculpting jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for clay sculpting in the United States is $87,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is clay sculpting?

Clay sculpting is the art of shaping and molding clay into three-dimensional forms or figures. Artists use their hands and various tools to create sculptures, ranging from realistic human figures to abstract designs. The clay can be fired in a kiln to harden it or left to air dry, depending on the type used. Clay sculpting is popular for its versatility and is used in art, education, and even prototyping for industries like animation and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clay sculptor?

To thrive as a Clay Sculptor, you need strong artistic ability, manual dexterity, and a solid understanding of sculpting techniques, often supported by formal art education or apprenticeships. Familiarity with tools like sculpting knives, pottery wheels, kilns, and knowledge of various clay types is essential. Creativity, patience, attention to detail, and good spatial awareness are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills and qualities ensure that sculptors can effectively bring their artistic visions to life, produce high-quality work, and succeed in both personal and commercial artistic settings.

What are some common challenges clay sculptors face when working on large-scale projects?

Clay sculptors working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as maintaining structural stability, ensuring even drying to prevent cracking, and managing the logistics of moving and assembling large pieces. These projects typically require careful planning, frequent collaboration with assistants or other artists, and sometimes working closely with engineers or fabricators for support structures. Understanding the properties of different clay bodies and effective moisture control are crucial to achieving a successful final piece.

What is the difference between Clay Sculpting vs Ceramic Artist?

AspectClay SculptingCeramic Artist
CredentialsBasic art skills, sometimes specialized trainingArt or ceramics degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentStudios, workshops, art schoolsPottery studios, galleries, workshops
Industry UsageFine art, sculpture, entertainmentFunctional pottery, decorative ceramics
Work FocusCreating sculptures from clayMaking functional or decorative ceramic pieces

Clay Sculpting involves shaping clay into artistic sculptures, often for display or entertainment. Ceramic Artists focus on creating functional or decorative items like pottery and tiles, often using similar materials but with different end goals. Both roles require artistic skills and knowledge of clay, but their applications and industry focus differ.

Do clay sculptors make good money?

Clay sculptors' earnings vary based on experience, skill level, and whether they work freelance or for a company. On average, they earn a median annual income that can range from entry-level wages to higher salaries for established artists, with additional income from commissions, sales, or teaching. Success and income potential often depend on reputation, portfolio, and market demand.

How to work with clay sculpting?

Clay sculpting as a profession involves shaping and detailing clay materials using tools such as sculpting knives, wire tools, and modeling tools. Artists often work in studios or workshops, requiring patience, attention to detail, and knowledge of different clay types like polymer or air-dry clay. Developing skills through practice and understanding anatomy, form, and texture is essential for creating high-quality sculptures.

What other helpful pages are available for Clay Sculpting?

Other pages related to Clay Sculpting:

Infographic showing various Clay Sculpting job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,733 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Senior Design Sculptor - Clay Lead

Warren, MI • On-site

General Motors
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 311 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description
DUTIES: Lead teams in execution of program timelines and all related clay model quality requirements. Develop high quality aesthetic surfaces for clay models throughout the GVDP. Support surface releases which meet Design approval, production engineering, PQ input and data release requirements. Delegate and coordinate sculpting and milling assignments.
REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in Industrial Design, Vehicle Design and Development, or related field. Employer will accept one (1) year of related experience in lieu of one (1) year of education. Five years of experience as a Clay Sculptor, Fabricator, Hard Modeler, or related role. Five (5) years of experience with: Estimating timing requirements for GVDP model execution; Advanced clay sculpting and model execution; and Production/manufacturing process applicable to surface development including Die pull, Draft, Graining, Parting Line Gap, Flush, Formability requirements, and Vehicle packaging / integration requirements. Two (2) years of experience with: Office software including Excel, Power Point, and Word for creating presentations/communication documentation. **Education and Experience Requirement** Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in Industrial Design, Vehicle Design and Development, or related field, and Five (5) years of experience as a Clay Sculptor, Fabricator, Hard Modeler, or related role. Employer will accept one (1) year of related experience in lieu of one (1) year of education.
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We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
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About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908