Shape molten glass according to patterns.
Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers
SOC: 51-9195 O*NET: 51-9195.04
Median Salary
$45,690
per year
Job Growth
📈 6.2%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
5.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Shape molten glass according to patterns.
What does a Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$34,950
10th percentile
Early Career
$38,500
25th percentile
Median
$45,690
50th percentile
Experienced
$51,340
75th percentile
Top Earners
$61,050
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$34,950
25th
$38,500
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$45,690
Mean: $46,730
75th
$51,340
90th
$61,050
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $26,100 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $38,500 and $51,340
- •Salary spread is 28.1% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 34,750 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:41,700
Top Industries
Manufacturing83.2%
Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing63.4%
Construction8.8%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+6.2%
Annual Openings:5,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)41,700
Current
2034 (Projected)44,300
+6.2%
+2,600
Employment Change
+6.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 46 locations
California
4,090 jobs$48,3901.00x
Michigan
1,980 jobs$42,5202.00x
Texas
1,950 jobs$38,9600.63x
Indiana
1,740 jobs$46,9902.42x
Pennsylvania
1,740 jobs$45,8101.28x
Ohio
1,730 jobs$44,6601.39x
Florida
1,680 jobs$43,7300.76x
New York
1,350 jobs$50,4700.63x
Illinois
1,160 jobs$45,7200.85x
Massachusetts
1,150 jobs$49,5301.40x
Alabama
1,140 jobs$36,2402.42x
Washington
1,100 jobs$48,1001.38x
Tennessee
930 jobs$39,5701.26x
Missouri
810 jobs$42,0901.23x
New Jersey
800 jobs$49,1200.83x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Judgment and Decision Making
70%
#3
Active Listening
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.5
70%
Active Listening
basic2.0
40%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance70%
abilities
3.5/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers60%
3 shared skills
Dancers50%
2 shared skills
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators50%
3 shared skills
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers50%
2 shared skills
Painters, Construction and Maintenance50%
2 shared skills
Pourers and Casters, Metal50%
3 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Judgment and Decision Making
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (19)Operations & Execution (1)Training & Development (1)
1
Read work orders or examine parts to determine parts or sections of products to be produced.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Trim or remove excess material, using scrapers, knives, or band saws.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Brush or spray mold surfaces with parting agents or insert paper into molds to ensure smoothness and prevent sticking or seepage.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Engrave or stamp identifying symbols, letters, or numbers on products.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Assemble, insert, and adjust wires, tubes, cores, fittings, rods, or patterns into molds, using hand tools and depth gauges.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Clean, finish, and lubricate molds and mold parts.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Separate models or patterns from molds and examine products for accuracy.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Set the proper operating temperature for each casting.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Load or stack filled molds in ovens, dryers, or curing boxes, or on storage racks or carts.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Align and assemble parts to produce completed products, using gauges and hand tools.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value relationships
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.19
Dependability
ImportantDependability
Importance Level3.89
Independence
ImportantIndependence
Importance Level3.88
Initiative
ImportantInitiative
Importance Level3.71
Persistence
ImportantPersistence
Importance Level3.69
Cooperation
ImportantCooperation
Importance Level3.65
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.2
Dependability
3.9
Independence
3.9
Initiative
3.7
Persistence
3.7
Cooperation
3.6
Self-Control
3.6
Achievement/Effort
3.5
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.5
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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