Also called: Laboratory Glassblower
Hand-makes custom glass equipment for chemistry and physics labs.
A chemist sketches an odd-shaped flask on a napkin, and you make it with a torch and a spinning lathe. Glassblowers also build parts for lasers and vacuum systems. There are only a few hundred in the US.
Small field; experienced glassblowers at universities and labs earn more.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 2 years after high school. Certificate from a scientific glassblowing program (Salem Community College in NJ offers the only US degree) or apprenticeship.
Ways in: 2-year college, Apprenticeship, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Scientific Glass Technology (2-year).
Growing slowly. BLS does not project this specialty separately; rating estimated from related occupations.
Low risk for 10 years. Custom glass shaped by torch is rare craft work; few jobs, but no machine replaces it.
Classes: Chemistry, Art or ceramics, Geometry.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-9195.
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