Glass Blowers

Career summary

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Glass blowers begin by creating designs on paper. For non-artistic glass products they may also make blueprints with specifications for measurements. They decide how much glass is required for the product.

Items glass blowers create include:

• Vases
• Pitchers
• Glasses
• Bowls

Glass blowers set up kilns and regulate the oven temperatures. Sometimes they use gas flames to heat glass. The glass is usually a tube or glass chips. The glass is heated to a temperature where it can be molded.

Using compressed air, or their own breath, glass blowers blow the glass tubing into shapes. They rotate the glass quickly so that it does not become lopsided. Blowers use metal tongs or wet wooden boards to shape some items. Sometimes glass blowers put the heated glass into a mold to create a specific shape.

When the piece is complete the glass blower separates the finished article from the blow tube. They usually do this by striking the neck of the item so that it breaks off the tube.

Glass blowers use tools to grind, drill, sand, decorate, or polish glass products. Glass blowers weigh and measure the blown glass to make sure it meets specifications.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Fine Artists
• Lens Grinders and Polishers
• Metal and Plastic Processing Workers
• Potters
• Tool and Die Makers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to glass blowers.

• Determine type and amount of glass necessary to make products.
• Heat glass to liquid stage.
• Set up and adjust machines and ovens according to the type of glass.
• Dip end of blowpipe into molten glass to collect gob on pipe head.
• Examine gob of molten glass for imperfections.
• Blow molten glass into specified shape, using compressed air or own breath.
• Strike neck of finished article to separate article from blowpipe.
• Inspect and measure finished products using instruments.
• Cut glass tubing to proper size, using file or cutting wheel.
• Place glass into die or mold to form products, such as drinking glasses or optical blanks.
• Develop sketch of glass products. Use knowledge of glass and glass blowing.
• Operate electric kilns and finishing machines.
• Record quantities, sizes, and types of goods produced.

Common work activities

Glass blowers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Control machines and processes
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Handle and move objects
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Make decisions and solve problems

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, glass blowers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a low to medium level of social contact. They usually work alone, but may interact with coworkers, depending on the type of employment.
• Sometimes work as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Have limited responsibility for the work done by others.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors. Work places may not be temperature-controlled.
• Wear gloves or safety glasses on a daily basis.
• Are exposed to very hot temperatures on a daily basis, especially when working near ovens.
• Are regularly exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations and conditions that may produce minor burns.
• Are often exposed to contaminants.
• Sometimes must operate hazardous equipment.
• May work physically near others.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors could result in products that do not meet requirements.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Must allow the pace of work to be set by the speed of equipment.
• Often make decisions without consulting a supervisor first.
• Usually set daily tasks and goals in conjunction with a supervisor.
• Must meet strict weekly and monthly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work 40 hours per week, especially if working in a factory. May work overtime.
• May travel to other cities or states to show their wares at art festivals or craft shows.

Physical demands

Glass blowers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for glass blowers to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for glass blowers to be able to:

• Determine the distance between objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Move arms and legs quickly.

Skills and abilities

Glass blowers need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Art and Fine Arts, General

Other programs of study to consider

• Ceramic Art and Design
• Crafts
• Precision Crafting and Repair

Training

To work as a glass blower, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete long-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Formal training beyond high school is not required for glass blowers who work in factories.

Some art glass blowers pursue formal training programs. Many schools offer programs in general art. Community and technical colleges offer certificates or associate degrees. Universities offer bachelor's degrees and higher.

At four-year schools, you can pursue a Bachelor of Art (BA) or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). In these programs, you learn to make functional pieces and artistic pieces. In your fourth year, you may work on developing your art one-on-one with a faculty advisor.

Work experience

Some schools help you secure an internship, apprenticeship, or studio assistantship in the field. These experiences help you learn new techniques, build your skills, and develop contacts in the art world.

On-the-job training

Glass blowers who work in factories receive their training on the job. Training lasts at least one year.

An apprenticeship is an excellent way for glass artists to receive additional training. You choose a glass blower whose work you respect and work with that artist for a period. In some apprenticeships you receive materials, work space, and room and board in exchange for your work in the studio.

Some state arts councils and foundations offer resident artist programs. Types of programs vary widely. Some are for artists who are new to the field. These programs allow artists to create and explore their work further. Other programs are for people who are known in their field. Usually resident artist programs allow you to work with others in your own discipline or from a broad range of art fields. Each program is different in terms of whether glass blowers pay to be involved or receive a stipend. Programs last from one month to nine months.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Art
• Drawing and Painting

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Many glass blowers are self-employed. For them, hiring is often related to resident artist programs. Committee members often select candidates by reviewing slides of their previous work.

Costs to workers

Workers who join professional associations may need to pay membership fees and annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and the glass blower's skill level.

Glass blowers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

National wage information is not available specifically for glass blowers. However, they are part of the larger group of "molders, shapers, and casters."

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings. 

National employment

Major employers:

• Glass product manufacturers

National outlook

In general, jobs in the manufacturing industry are expected to show little to no change and this is a small occupation. Few new jobs will be created for glassblowers. Job prospects will be best for experienced and highly-skilled workers. Competition will be strong for getting work shown in galleries.

Employment of glass blowers is sensitive to the state of the economy. When money is tight, people are less likely to spend money on art. Many artists will find that their income fluctuates with the overall economy.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for glass blowers. However, they are part of the larger group of "molders, shapers, and casters."

Other resources

American Craft Council 
1224 Marshall Street NE, Suite 200
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612.206.3100

Artist Trust 
1835 - 12th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
866.218.7878
206.467.8734

National Endowment for the Arts 
400 - 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20506
202.682.5400

The American Scientific Glassblowers Society 
PO Box 1777
Norman, OK 73070
716.353.8062

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers (51-9195.04) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Glass Bender (772.381-010) 
• Glass Blower (772.381-022) 
• Glass Blower, Laboratory Apparatus (772.281-010) 
• Molder (575.381-010) 
• Scientific Glass Blower (006.261-010) 
• Ware Finisher (772.381-018) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Artistic

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled