Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers
O*NET 51-9195.04 · SOC 51-9195
Glass Blower is a solid career choice. Median pay is $46k a year with +5.8% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 5,100 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Gather molten glass on a blowpipe from the furnace
- →Blow air through the pipe to expand glass into desired shapes
- →Bend glass tubing over flames to form curves and angles
- →Fire-polish glass edges to remove sharp points and roughness
- →Place finished glass pieces in annealing ovens to cool slowly
Education & How to Get In
Glass Blower roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Glass Blower involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Glass Blower?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Glass Blower Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers is projected to grow 5.8% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·46% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·42% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Glass Blower make?
The median Glass Blower earns $46k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Glass Blower jobs?
Our model puts Glass Blower at 56 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 46% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 42% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Glass Blower a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 5.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 5,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Glass Blower?
Most Glass Blower roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Glass Blower?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Glass Blower career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →No account required · Matches are paid · 7 minutes