How Much Money Does a Glass Blower Make?

by Melissa Samaroo Google

Glassblowers create works of art by directing air through hot molten glass, shaping it into sculptures or vases. Like many artistic fields, glassblowers may have long periods of time between sales and struggle to make ends meet. A more secure career path for glass blowers is to work in an industrial setting. In this position, glassblowers earn a regular wage creating useful tools, such as scientific beakers and test tubes.

Independent Artists

Glassblowers who work out of their own studios are free to make artistic pieces, such as sculptures, stained glass windows or Christmas ornaments. They may sell one of these items for a large amount, but are not guaranteed a steady income. Independent glassblowers can average around $20,000 to $30, 000 a year.

Industrial Glassblowers

Glassblowers who work in manufacturing environments have less artistic freedom. They typically make items that conform to strict manufacturer’s specifications, such as test tubes. However, they have a more regular income and make a higher rate of pay, around $40,000 to $50,000 annually.

Glass Repairers

Qualified and experienced glassblowers can also work in glass repair. In this position, they may remove broken glass, such as a car windshield, and replace it with new glass. Experienced glass workers in an auto-body repair shop could make an average of $33,000 a year, according to salary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Glassblowing Teacher

Glassblowing teachers work at colleges and universities. They teach classes in glassblowing, sculpture, glass casting and stained glass. The salary for teaching can range from $53,000 to $83,000 annually.

About the Author


Photo Credits

  • Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images
Suggest an Article Correction