SOC 5441 Textiles, printing and other skilled trades

Glass and ceramics makers, decorators and finishers Salary

Salary data from ONS ASHE. Some figures may be unavailable due to small sample sizes.

For glass and ceramics makers, decorators and finishers, £28,936 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -26% versus the national average.

About this role

Glass and ceramics makers, decorators and finishers create, shape, decorate and finish glass and ceramic products including pottery, tableware, tiles, stained glass and blown glass. They use traditional craft techniques and modern manufacturing methods.

Key responsibilities

Shaping glass or ceramics using blowing, moulding, throwing or casting techniques
Decorating products using painting, glazing, printing or etching
Operating kilns, furnaces and finishing equipment
Inspecting finished products for quality and consistency
Maintaining equipment and following safety procedures for hot work

Qualifications and entry routes

Traditional apprenticeship or college courses in ceramics, glass-making or craft disciplines. City & Guilds qualifications are available. Heritage craft training for specialist techniques (stained glass, hand-blown glass).

Career outlook

Manufacturing has declined but craft, art glass and heritage restoration sustain specialist demand. Studio pottery and artisan glass-making have niche markets.

Key skills

Glass or ceramics craft skills Kiln and furnace operation Decorating techniques Quality inspection Manual dexterity

Common industries

Ceramics manufacturing
Glass manufacturing
Art glass studios
Stained glass restoration
Brick and tile making

Data coverage

SOC code 5441

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Median Salary

N/A

Mean Salary

£29,741

Jobs (000s)

N/A

Data Years

11 years

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +37.1%Real growth: +6.6%

Glass and ceramics makers, decorators and finishers salary: common questions

How much do glass and ceramics makers, decorators and finishers earn in the UK?

Glass and ceramics makers, decorators and finishers earn a median of £28,936 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).

Is £28,936 a good salary in the UK?

For glass and ceramics makers, decorators and finishers, £28,936 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -26% versus the national average.

Have glass and ceramics makers, decorators and finishers salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median glass and ceramics makers, decorators and finishers pay has risen from £18,849 to £28,936 — +54% in cash terms, or +11% after CPIH inflation. That is ahead of inflation over the period.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).