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Glass blower/designer : Salary and conditions

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  1. Job description
  2. Salary and conditions
  3. Entry requirements
  4. Training
  5. Career development
  6. Employers and vacancy …
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Case studies

  • Typical starting salaries for glass-blowing can be quite varied depending on the employment status. It can range from £10,500 - £25,000.
  • Experienced designers or those working for larger companies can earn over £35,000.
  • There is no average salary for self-employed designers as income will differ for each commission. Many will supplement their income with other work, including teaching or training, freelance writing for trade publications, or other design work.
  • There are no set hours for self-employed designers. Evening and weekend work may be required to finish a commission on time. Glass blowers who work for larger manufacturers may be required to work shifts. Trainees or 'gatherers' may be expected to start early in the morning, but finish early afternoon.
  • Studio designers will often work alone, although some will form cooperatives with other designers to share studio running costs and equipment. Designers working for larger companies usually work in small teams.
  • Much of the work is carried out in a studio, operating machinery and using tools. Protective goggles and clothing is worn in most studios.
  • Running your own business can be stressful with little job security. On the plus side, you can manage your own time and exercise your creativity freely. Glass blowers or designers working for larger companies may enjoy better job security and more opportunities for progression, but less artistic freedom.
  • Industrial glass companies may require an individual to be geographically mobile.
  • Due to the relatively small number of glass studios across the UK, it may be necessary to travel some distance to work. Some designers work in more than one location and some work from home. Ultimately, some designers may set up their own hot-shop.
 
AGCAS
Written by AGCAS editors
Date: 
March 2011
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