Ceramicist
Also known as: ceramics artist, ceramist, ceramics maker & designer, ceramics designer & maker, ceramics designer and maker, ceramics maker and designer
About this occupation
Ceramicist have an in-depth knowledge of materials and the relevant know-how to develop their own methods of expression and personal projects through ceramic. Their creations can include ceramic sculptures, jewellery, domestic and commercial tablewares and kitchenwares, giftware, garden ceramics, wall and floor tiles.
Essential skills and knowledge
- add coils to ceramic work
- intellectual property law
- gather reference materials for artwork
- add slabs to ceramic work
- manage different ceramic firing techniques
- create specific enamels
- contextualise artistic work
- transfer designs on workpiece
- sketch designs on workpieces
- create artwork
- labour legislation
- select artistic materials to create artworks
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Craft Artists (O*NET 27-1012.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Select materials for use based on strength, color, texture, balance, weight, size, malleability and other characteristics.
- Create functional or decorative objects by hand, using a variety of methods and materials.
- Develop concepts or creative ideas for craft objects.
- Apply finishes to objects being crafted.
- Cut, shape, fit, join, mold, or otherwise process materials, using hand tools, power tools, or machinery.
- Set specifications for materials, dimensions, and finishes.
- Typical education (US)
- Post-Secondary Certificate
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Artistic, Realistic, Enterprising
Top skills: Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Monitoring, Social Perceptiveness
US median pay: US$46,080 a year (2025), 4,580 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).
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (3.9)
- Fine Art or Music or Drama and TheatreO*NET: Fine ArtsVery important (3.7)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.3)
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)
- Post-Secondary Certificate
- 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.
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
- Etchers and Engravers
- Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
- Model Makers, Wood
- Sewers, Hand
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
- Patternmakers, Wood
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.