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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 ...

Scientific Glassblower information

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$52

How much do scientific glassblower jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for scientific glassblower in the United States is $31.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $40.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a scientific glassblower?

A Scientific Glassblower designs, manufactures, and repairs custom glass equipment used in scientific research and laboratories. They work with specialized glass like borosilicate to create apparatus such as flasks, condensers, and tubing for chemists, physicists, and engineers. This role requires precision, craftsmanship, and knowledge of glass properties to ensure the functionality and durability of the equipment.

How do you become a scientific glassblower?

To become a scientific glassblower, individuals typically complete a formal apprenticeship or technical training program in glassblowing or laboratory glassware fabrication. Skills in precision work, knowledge of glass properties, and familiarity with tools and safety procedures are essential, often supported by certifications or on-the-job experience. Many glassblowers work in specialized environments such as laboratories or manufacturing facilities.

How much money do scientific glassblowers make?

Scientific glassblowers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specialization. Skilled glassblowers with certifications and advanced techniques can earn higher wages, especially in industrial or research settings.

What are the typical responsibilities of a scientific glassblower in a laboratory setting?

Scientific Glassblowers are often tasked with designing, fabricating, and repairing custom glassware used in research, such as condensers, distillation columns, or reaction vessels. You may collaborate closely with scientists or engineers to interpret technical drawings and adapt glass apparatus to specific experimental needs. Daily work can involve both routine maintenance and challenging custom builds, requiring a mix of independent problem-solving and teamwork. Many glassblowers also train others in basic glass handling and contribute to lab safety protocols involving glass equipment. This role offers a dynamic blend of craftsmanship, customer service, and technical expertise within a scientific environment.

Are scientific glassblowers in demand?

Scientific glassblowers are in steady demand in research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and industrial settings that require custom glassware. Their specialized skills in working with high-precision and laboratory-grade glass make them valuable, especially as industries continue to rely on complex glass apparatus and custom fabrication. Employment opportunities often depend on industry needs and the availability of skilled artisans with certification or extensive experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a scientific glassblower?

To thrive as a Scientific Glassblower, you need strong manual dexterity, a deep understanding of glass properties, and practical experience with glassblowing techniques, often supported by formal training or apprenticeship. Familiarity with specialized glassworking equipment such as lathes, torches, and annealing ovens is crucial, and industry certifications from organizations like the American Scientific Glassblowers Society (ASGS) may be beneficial. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are key soft skills that help you meet precise scientific specifications and collaborate with researchers. These abilities are vital to creating high-quality, custom scientific apparatus that support accurate and reliable laboratory work.

What do scientific glassblowers make?

Scientific glassblowers create specialized glassware used in laboratories and industrial settings, including reaction vessels, condensers, distillation columns, and custom glass components. They use skills in glass shaping, heating, and joining, often working with borosilicate glass and following precise specifications to ensure safety and functionality.

What are the most commonly searched types of Scientific Glassblower jobs?

The most popular types of Scientific Glassblower jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Scientific Glassblower jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Scientific Glassblower jobs are:

Infographic showing various Scientific Glassblower job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,473 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Glassblower Apprentice

TOSOH QUARTZ INC

Portland, OR • On-site

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


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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