Glass Manufacturing Workers

Earnings of glass manufacturing workers depend on the type of industry they work in, their specific duties, union membership, the shift they work, and other factors.

Mean annual earnings for extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders-synthetic and glass fibers were $44,030 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Salaries ranged from less than $33,510 to $60,380 or more. Those who work more than eight hours a day or 40 hours per week receive overtime pay, and they are usually paid at higher rates if they work at night, on weekends, or on holidays.

Workers in many factories are union members, and their earnings are established according to agreements between the unions and company management. In addition, glassworkers often receive benefits, such as retirement plans and health and life insurance.