Career Overview
Shape molten glass according to patterns.
Also Known As
- Glass Bender
- Glass Blower
- Neon Glass Bender
- Neon Tube Bender
Alternate Job Titles
- Artificial Glass Eye Maker
- Bender
- Blow Molder
- Blower
- Bottle Blower
- Fiber Glass Worker
- Gaffer
- Glass Bender
- Glass Block Bender
- Glass Block Installer
- Glass Blower
- Glass Blower Technician
- Glass Blowing Instructor
- Glass Blowing Lathe Operator
- Glass Finisher
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Heat glass to pliable stage, using gas flames or ovens and rotating glass to heat it uniformly.
- Inspect, weigh, and measure products to verify conformance to specifications, using instruments such as micrometers, calipers, magnifiers, or rulers.
- Record manufacturing information, such as quantities, sizes, or types of goods produced.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Production and Processing
- Design
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
- Control Precision
- Reaction Time
- Visual Color Discrimination
- Manual Dexterity
- Visualization
- Rate Control
- Finger Dexterity
- Selective Attention
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Self-Control
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 10 years
On-the-Job Training: None or short demonstration
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
Tools & Equipment
- Air compressors
- Annealing ovens
- Cutting wheels
- Dial calipers
- Digital micrometers
- Drill presses
- Electric kilns
- Engine lathes
- Glass blowing pipes
- Glass knives
- Glass lathes
- Glass saws
- Glass tongs
- Grinders
- Hand held magnifiers
Work Environment
- Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Exposed to Contaminants
- Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Salary & Job Market
Wages reported for the broader Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $34,950 |
| Median | $45,690 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $61,050 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 34,750
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $45,690
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $45,130
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $41,230
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $47,060
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $45,700
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.