Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers
Glass blowers, molders, benders, and finishers shape molten glass into finished products by hand and machine. They work in factories and studios producing items like glassware, decorative pieces, and industrial glass components. The work requires precision, heat tolerance, and attention to detail.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against glass blowers, molders, benders, and finishers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Workers typically start by heating glass to molten temperatures in furnaces. They use blowpipes, molds, and hand tools to shape the material according to specifications or patterns. Tasks include forming the glass, checking dimensions and quality, and preparing pieces for annealing or further processing. The pace varies between production runs and custom work, with regular monitoring of temperatures and material consistency.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You'd likely succeed in this role if you're practical and methodical, preferring concrete tasks over abstract concepts. People who do well here tend to be detail-oriented, follow established procedures closely, and find satisfaction in producing tangible, quality results.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | $48,520 | $57,860 | $61,010 | 150 |
| Hawaii | $43,130 | $55,990 | $71,380 | 40 |
| Oregon | $48,000 | $52,740 | $57,420 | 410 |
| Connecticut | $44,060 | $52,520 | $58,270 | 170 |
| Washington | $48,580 | $51,780 | $61,520 | 1,130 |
| New Hampshire | $43,650 | $51,470 | $58,140 | 160 |
| Massachusetts | $47,780 | $50,550 | $59,240 | 1,200 |
| Maryland | $39,850 | $50,360 | $61,870 | 110 |
| Colorado | $42,200 | $49,530 | $59,020 | 390 |
| California | $45,180 | $49,190 | $58,770 | 3,590 |
| Arizona | $46,050 | $49,060 | $50,790 | 470 |
| Vermont | $44,680 | $48,660 | $58,970 | 240 |
All 48 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Architectural Glass And Metal Technician (AGMT) — Administrative Management Systems, Inc.
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against glass blowers, molders, benders, and finishers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-9195.04 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.