Wayne Bates received a Bachelors of Art from Union University in 1965, and later received a Masters of Fine Art in ceramics from the University of Georgia. Bates spent hos early career teaching, first in public schools, then at the Philadelphia College of Art. He worked as a ceramics consultant, but then moved to being a full-time studio potter. Bates attributes most of his success to the support of his wife.

Bates is known for porcelain bowls, plates, platters, and vases. The surfaces often include simple geometric patterns, and his work is influences by Mimbres pottery.