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Pottery Jobs (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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How much do pottery jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for pottery in the United States is $14.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.06 and $16.83 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 cities are hiring for Pottery jobs?

Cities with the most Pottery job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Pottery jobs?

The most popular types of Pottery jobs are:

What states have the most Pottery jobs?

States with the most job openings for Pottery jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Pottery jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Pottery jobs are:

pottery jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pottery job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,362 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Pottery Studio Instructor

Emerald Art Studio

Campbell, CA • On-site

$35K - $75K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:

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, creative studio environment. The ideal candidate will be proficient in both wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques and capable of teaching various skill levels from beginners to advanced.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Plan and conduct engaging pottery classes (wheel-throwing, hand-building, glazing, surface decoration).
  • Demonstrate proper use of tools, techniques, and safety procedures in the studio.
  • Provide individualized feedback and guidance to students at varying skill levels.
  • Manage class flow, setup, and cleanup efficiently.
  • Load and unload kilns, monitor firing schedules, and ensure proper handling of ceramic pieces.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
  • Support studio events, exhibitions, and open studio hours as needed.
  • Foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all students.

Qualifications:

  • Proven experience in ceramics, with a strong portfolio of functional and/or sculptural work.
  • Prior teaching experience preferred, especially in community, private, or academic settings.
  • Proficiency with ceramic equipment including wheels, kilns, slab rollers, and glazing stations.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to manage class time and multitask in a busy studio environment.
  • Passion for teaching and sharing the ceramic arts.

Preferred:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Ceramics, Fine Arts, or related field.
  • Familiarity with firing techniques (e.g., oxidation, reduction, raku).
  • Experience teaching both adults and children.

Essential Skills:

  • Ceramic Arts Proficiency
    • Skilled in wheel-throwing, hand-building, glazing, and firing techniques (bisque, raku, oxidation, etc.).
    • Strong understanding of clay bodies, glaze chemistry, and studio-safe practices.
  • Teaching & Instructional Skills
    • Able to teach all skill levels with clarity, encouragement, and patience.
    • Demonstrates techniques confidently and supports student creativity.
  • Studio Operations Management
    • Oversees scheduling, class coordination, and kiln firing cycles.
    • Maintains and troubleshoots studio equipment (kilns, wheels, tools).
  • Customer Service & Community Engagement
    • Welcomes students and visitors warmly, answers inquiries, and builds lasting relationships.
    • Manages bookings, memberships, and communicates with clients effectively.
  • Organizational & Administrative Abilities
    • Handles inventory, supply ordering, and cleanliness of the studio.
    • Manages class rosters, payments, and basic bookkeeping or POS systems.
  • Team Coordination & Leadership
    • Supports part-time staff, manages schedules, and fosters a collaborative environment.
    • Addresses issues professionally and ensures smooth daily operations.
  • Creativity & Passion for Art
    • Brings inspiration to the studio through personal practice and creative vision.
    • Keeps up with ceramic trends, materials, and innovative techniques.
  • Marketing & Social Media (Bonus)
    • Promotes classes and events via Instagram, email, or community platforms.
    • Helps build brand presence and attract new students.