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Pottery Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Emerald Art Studio

Pottery Studio Instructor

Campbell, CA · On-site

$35K - $75K/yr

We are seeking a passionate and skilled Studio Pottery Instructor (Full-time or Part-time depending on the season) to lead hands-on ceramic classes for adults, teens, and/or children in a dynamic ...

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Pottery information

See California salary details

$9

$14

$17

How much do pottery jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for pottery in California is $14.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.91 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a potter do?

A potter is an artisan who creates objects out of clay, such as bowls, vases, and sculptures, by shaping and firing the clay in a kiln. Potters use various techniques like wheel-throwing, hand-building, and glazing to produce both functional and decorative pieces. Their work involves creativity, technical skill, and knowledge of materials and firing methods. Potters may sell their creations, teach pottery classes, or work for studios and manufacturers.

What are the qualifications to get a pottery job?

The qualifications to get a pottery job depend on the type of work you perform. If you are a pottery instructor at a high school, college, or another educational institution, you typically need some formal instruction, such as a bachelor’s degree in ceramics. Teaching at the college level usually requires an advanced degree and professional experience, such as managing a ceramics studio or showcasing work as an artist. If you work as a craft artist, you may need some formal instruction, although it is not always necessary. Most potters and artists need to maintain an updated portfolio to demonstrate their skills and experience to clients or customers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pottery artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pottery Artist, you need a strong understanding of ceramic techniques, wheel-throwing, hand-building, and glazing, often gained through formal education or apprenticeships. Familiarity with kiln operation, pottery wheels, and various clay bodies, along with safety certifications for kiln use, are typically required. Creativity, patience, and attention to detail are essential soft skills for producing unique and high-quality pieces. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure both artistic expression and technical excellence in creating durable, marketable pottery.

What are some common challenges pottery professionals face in maintaining consistent quality and meeting production deadlines?

Pottery professionals often encounter challenges in ensuring consistent quality due to variables like clay composition, kiln temperature fluctuations, and glaze behavior. Meeting production deadlines can also be difficult, especially when factoring in the time needed for drying, firing, and cooling, which are essential but unpredictable steps. Effective time management, careful planning of batch sizes, and regular equipment maintenance can help address these challenges. Collaborating with other team members, such as glaze technicians and kiln operators, is crucial for streamlining the workflow and troubleshooting issues quickly.

What is the difference between Pottery vs Ceramic Artist?

AspectPotteryCeramic Artist
CredentialsTypically no formal certification, but some may have art or craft degreesOften holds art degrees or specialized training in ceramics
Work EnvironmentStudio workshops, craft fairs, retail storesArt studios, galleries, exhibitions, commissions
Industry UsageCommonly used in craft, homeware, and functional wareUsed in fine art, sculpture, and creative installations

Pottery and ceramic artists both work with clay and ceramics, but pottery primarily focuses on creating functional items like bowls and vases, often in a craft setting. Ceramic artists tend to emphasize artistic expression, sculpture, and innovative designs, often working in galleries or art installations. While their skills overlap, their goals and environments differ significantly.

What jobs consist of pottery?

Jobs involving pottery include ceramic artist, pottery instructor, ceramic technician, and studio manager. These roles typically require skills in shaping, glazing, and firing clay, often using tools like kilns and pottery wheels, and may involve working in studios, galleries, or educational settings.

What jobs involve pottery?

Jobs involving pottery include ceramic artist, pottery instructor, studio potter, and ceramic technician. These roles typically require skills in shaping, glazing, and firing clay, often working in studios, galleries, or educational settings. Certifications or apprenticeships may be beneficial for advanced positions.
More about Pottery jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Pottery jobs in California?

The most popular types of Pottery jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Pottery jobs in California?

For Pottery jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pottery jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Pottery jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Pottery jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pottery job openings:

Pottery jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pottery job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,965 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Director, Merchandising: Decorative Accessories - Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Pottery Barn is a leading specialty retailer of high-quality home products, and they are seeking a Director of Merchandising for their Decorative Accessories division. This role is responsible for developing multi-year merchandising strategies, managing product opportunities, and leading a team to maximize brand growth and profitability.
Responsibilities:
• Identify the long-term strategic direction for multiple departments. Communicate the vision and inspire team to develop business plans and identify new opportunities.
• Implement tactical plans derived from strategy by working with across functional areas.
• Review category strategies for the division to ensure current trends are capitalized upon throughout the departments.
• For the divisions, review and approve: Strategic plans to explore new business opportunities, product mix to ensure all collections have a cohesive look and meets standards, final samples, financial strategy, purchase plans, annual and seasonal financial plans to maximize sales and profits, and seasonal assortment plans (line lists) to ensure product is appropriate for the brand.
• Lead and facilitate divisional meetings across functions and channels. Manage information flow cross functionally (Inventory Management, eComm, Marketing, Sourcing, Visual Merchandising) and across channels to maximize sales and profits.
• Work closely with visual merchandising to plan floor layouts, store execution and management strategy.
• Collaborate with the eComm and marketing teams to execute site optimizations, best in class visual execution, and strategies to deliver the best foot forward on the website and social to drive growth and new customer acquisition.
• Review markdown strategies and lead strategic promotional plans.
• Lead and facilitate divisional meetings across functions and distribution channels.
• Present concepts to CEO, President, SVP, Store Management and merchandising functions. Collaborate and seek feedback on ideas and products.
• Regularly shop competitors to keep abreast of trends.
• Travel overseas to review production, identify emerging themes and new inspirations.
• Lead and participate in key company strategic initiatives and steering committees.
• Lead personalization and monogram process and task force across the brand.
• Management:
• Manage a team of +10 across the various levels of merchandising providing direction and clarity on business objectives.
• Mentor, educate and develop staff to ensure they are growing and developing.
• Develop staffing and succession plans. Interview candidates and approve division’s final candidates.
• Determine workload for staff; recommend effective processes and procedures to improve workflow and results.
• Provide direction and clarify objectives. Evaluate and appraise performance.
Qualifications:
Required:
• 10 -15 years prior experience in merchandise buying. Experience in a vertical brand and the home sector preferred.
• Undergraduate degree in a related field of study, or equivalent experience required.
• 2+ years people management experience.
• Experience developing and presenting strategies, reviewing OTB, and leading teams.
• Strong systems skills.
• Possesses strong business and operational senses; able to balance and address conflicting needs and timelines of multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent team player with an eagerness to take on stretch and expanded projects.
• Exceptional communicator who leads and contributes to discussions.
• Strong problem solving and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast paced, deadline driven environment.
• Proven success leading and inspiring a team.
Company:
Pottery Barn focuses on customer service while creating products with innovative designs. Founded in 1948, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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