How to become a Glass Production Machine Operator

Operates machines to manufacture molten glass and shape glassware products such as containers, sheet glass, structural and stained glass, glass lenses and prisms.

Main tasks

• Understands the production specifications and sets up glass production machines to ensure precise production
• Monitors the melting and refining process of raw materials to form molten glass, and adjusts machine settings to control the temperature and flow of molten glass
• Changes, positions and aligns moulds on glass production machines as per production requirements
• Inspects glass products for defects and ensures they meet quality standards
• Conducts regular inspections and basic upkeep of glass production machines to ensure optimal performance, while identifying and resolving mechanical issues
• Monitors and controls the production rate to meet production targets, and maintains production records, while reporting any issues or discrepancies

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Glass and Glazing (MSF30422); Certificate IV in Glass and Glazing (MSF40422); Certificate II in Glass and Glazing (MSF20413); Certificate II in Process Manufacturing (MSM20116); Certificate III in Automotive Glazing Technology (AUR32220)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $89,232 a year
• About 2,500 people work in this job group now, and about 2,700 are projected by 2035. (+6%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Chemical Production Machine Operator
• Clay Products Machine Operator
• Concrete Products Machine Operator
• Crushing Machine Operator
• Photographic Print Processor
• Sterilisation Technician

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Glass Production Machine Operator?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Glass and Glazing; Certificate IV in Glass and Glazing.

How much does a Glass Production Machine Operator earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $89,232 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Glass Production Machine Operator a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 2,500 to about 2,700 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Glass Production Machine Operator?

Usually not. Only 9% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Glass and Glazing; Certificate IV in Glass and Glazing.

Will AI change the work of a Glass Production Machine Operator?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04