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Apprentice Scientific Glassblower Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Glassblower Apprentice

Portland, OR · On-site

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Glassblower Apprentice , you will follow our Glassblower Apprentice program to learn and perform routine scientific quartz glass-working tasks. The duration of this program is dependent on your ...

Apprentice Scientific Glassblower information

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$12

$22

$37

How much do apprentice scientific glassblower jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice scientific glassblower in the United States is $22.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice scientific glassblower, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Scientific Glassblower, you need strong manual dexterity, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often with coursework in math and science. Familiarity with glassblowing torches, lathes, specialized hand tools, and an understanding of safety protocols are typically required. Patience, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help apprentices learn complex techniques and collaborate with experienced glassblowers and scientists. These skills ensure the precise fabrication of custom glass apparatus critical to laboratory research and industrial applications.

What is an apprentice scientific glassblower?

Apprentice scientific glassblowers are individuals who are training under experienced glassblowers to learn the specialized skills needed to fabricate, repair, and modify glass equipment used in scientific laboratories. Their work involves handling glass tubing and apparatus, using various tools and techniques to create custom glassware for research and industrial purposes. Apprentices typically learn through a combination of hands-on practice and formal instruction, gradually developing proficiency in glassblowing safety, equipment use, and technical drawing interpretation. This role is essential for producing precise glass instruments required in chemistry, physics, and other scientific fields.

What is the difference between Apprentice Scientific Glassblower vs Scientific Glassblower?

AspectApprentice Scientific GlassblowerScientific Glassblower
CredentialsOn-the-job training, often no formal certification initiallyTypically requires specialized training, certifications, or apprenticeships
Work EnvironmentLearning environment, supervised tasks in laboratories or workshopsIndependent work designing, fabricating, and repairing glassware in labs or manufacturing
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with glassblowing tasks, learning techniques, following instructionsCreating complex glass apparatus, troubleshooting, and quality control

The main difference is that an Apprentice Scientific Glassblower is in training and gaining skills under supervision, while a Scientific Glassblower is a fully qualified professional capable of independent work and complex projects.

How much does an apprentice scientific glassblower make?

An apprentice scientific glassblower typically earns between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on the region and level of experience. Apprenticeship programs often include on-the-job training and may lead to higher wages as skills develop and certifications are obtained.

What are some common challenges faced by apprentice scientific glassblowers during their training period?

As an apprentice scientific glassblower, you may encounter challenges such as mastering the precise hand-eye coordination required for manipulating glass at high temperatures and understanding the properties of different glass types. Learning to read and interpret technical drawings accurately is also essential, as is maintaining strict safety protocols in the workshop. Additionally, you'll need to develop patience and resilience, as achieving consistency and quality in glassblowing often takes considerable practice and repetition. Collaborating with experienced glassblowers and scientists will help you gain practical knowledge and refine your skills over time.

Are apprentice scientific glassblowers in demand?

Apprentice scientific glassblowers are in steady demand due to the specialized skills required for creating and repairing laboratory glassware and scientific equipment. Opportunities are often found in research institutions, laboratories, and manufacturing facilities that value precision glasswork and technical expertise. The field values hands-on training and certifications, making apprenticeships a common pathway into the profession.

How do you become an apprentice scientific glassblower?

To become an apprentice scientific glassblower, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should seek apprenticeship programs offered by laboratories, research institutions, or specialized glassblowing companies. The apprenticeship usually involves hands-on training under experienced glassblowers, learning techniques, safety procedures, and working with specialized tools and glassware over several years.
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Infographic showing various Apprentice Scientific Glassblower job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,806 per year, or $22 per hour.

Glassblower Apprentice

TOSOH QUARTZ INC

Portland, OR • On-site

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Tosoh Quartz rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About Tosoh Quartz

Tosoh Quartz is a global leader in high-precision silica glass products, where innovation and quality drive our success in the semiconductor industry. As part of the diversified Tosoh Corporation family, our teams in the US and the UK collaborate across continents to deliver cutting-edge semiconductor industry solutions through advanced engineering and a commitment to continuous improvement. With over 300 dedicated employees and a reputation for excellence, we offer a dynamic environment focused on developing new products, fostering professional growth, and shaping the future of technology.

As a Glassblower Apprentice, you will follow our Glassblower Apprentice program to learn and perform routine scientific quartz glass-working tasks. The duration of this program is dependent on your individual progress. You will receive training both individually and as part of a group from an experienced Glassblower trainer. You will learn how to work with quartz glass, and to check and inspect your work. Throughout the program you will meet with your trainer to discuss your progress.

What you’ll do at Tosoh Quartz.

  • Follow the well documented apprenticeship program.
  • Position and align parts in specified relationship to each other in fixture, lathe, or manually, using tweezers, vacuum chuck, or hand instruments.
  • Load and unload annealing ovens and check parts for stress.
  • Maintain a safe, organized, and clean work area.

What to expect.

  • Work from 6:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday-Thursday, learning the fundamentals of quartz glassblowing.
  • Learn to make glass tubes and nozzles out of quartz glass, using high heat (must be comfortable working in a warm environment).
  • Perform routine glass-working tasks in the shaping, forming, and uniting of standard glass materials in the fabrication of simple quartz glass products.
  • Learn to observe and check parts for noticeable stress points.
  • Reading and interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, etc.

Who you are.

  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Eager to learn and begin a career as a scientific glassblower.
  • Welding or artistic glassblowing experience is a plus.

Why You’ll Love Working at Tosoh Quartz

Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Tosoh Quartz offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial wellbeing, and longterm growth, including:

  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
  • $500 annual wellness reimbursement
  • 401(k) with Company match
  • Generous PTO accrual and 10 paid holidays
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Dependent scholarship and education assistance
  • Columbia Sportswear Employee Store access
  • Additional perks that make Tosoh Quartz a great place to build your career

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Please note: All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment will be required to successfully complete pre-employment drug and background screenings.


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