The average potter salary in the United Kingdom is £22,757 per year or £11.67 per hour. Entry level positions start at £18,603 per year while most experienced workers make up to £40,924 per year. Novice potters report earnings under $20,000 annually. Master potters average $47,500 annually. The median annual income for a professional potter is $75,000. The median income for an amateur potter is about $30,000.
Making a Living as a Potter
Can you earn a living as a potter? Potters from their own studios can make anywhere from $20 to $50 an hour, which is well above the minimum wage. However, making a living as a potter is not an easy road, and it takes a good careful plan for a pottery business to establish, usually taking 2-5 years.
Pottery Creation Process
- Bisque firing is the first firing to remove moisture.
- Glaze firing is the second firing to add a glaze layer.
Kilns are crucial in this process, with prices ranging from $750 – $1,500.
Negotiating Pottery Salary
Negotiating your pottery salary requires an understanding of your value and the market around you.
Full-Time Potter Earnings
Full-time potters average $33,540 per year, with hourly wages starting from $11.34 and going up to $25.81. The income of full-time potters can vary significantly, ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on various factors such as artistic skill and business success.
Miscellaneous Potter Facts
- The level of customization in pottery affects prices; customization services can garner higher prices.
- The top 10% of professional potters earn an average of $70,000 a year, while the bottom 10% average around $19,000 a year.
- Pottery can be made in several ways, including the potter’s wheel, hand-making, and slip casting.
Potter’s Wheel
A pottery wheel is a machine with a rotating metal plinth (wheel head).
Harry Potter Actors’ Earnings
While the Harry Potter books were a success, the film’s success was not guaranteed. Daniel Radcliffe received $1,000,000 for playing Harry Potter, while Rupert Grint and Emma Watson each earned just under $1,000,000 for their roles.