Question 1

Is Build-A-Bear a good company to work for?

Accepted Answer

Build-A-Bear has an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5, based on over 1,851 reviews left anonymously by employees. This rating has increased by 2% over the last 12 months. 59% of employees would recommend working at Build-A-Bear to a friend and 51% have a positive outlook for the business. The best reviews about Build-A-Bear have been left by employees working as Master Bear Builder, Manager and Associate.

Question 2

Does Build-A-Bear pay their employees well?

Accepted Answer

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Build-A-Bear employees rate their compensation and benefits as 2.8 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Build-A-Bear. This rating has improved by 2% over the last 12 months.

Question 3

How satisfied are employees working at Build-A-Bear?

Accepted Answer

59% of Build-A-Bear employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews. Employees also rated Build-A-Bear 3.6 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.7 for culture and values and 3.1 for career opportunities.

Question 4

What are the top reviewed jobs at Build-A-Bear?

Accepted Answer

Bear Builder (394), Sales Associate (238), Sales Lead (93), Sales Assistant/Bear Builder (89), Assistant Manager (64), Chief Workshop Manager (41), Store Manager (39), Assistant Workshop Manager (34), Retail Sales Associate (32), Sales Assistant (32), Associate Manager (29), Bear Builder Associate (21), Associate Workshop Manager (19), Manager (18), Associate (17)

Question 5

What are the pros of working at Build-A-Bear according to real employee reviews?

Accepted Answer

"Great for people not in college as there were shifts available during the week and was able to work a 2nd job alongside" ((in 73 reviews)); "Most coworkers were great to work with." ((in 71 reviews)); "Fun work environment" ((in 60 reviews)); "Fun and Friendly Staff" ((in 50 reviews)); "they have really good benefits" ((in 33 reviews))

Question 6

What are the cons of working at Build-A-Bear according to real employee reviews?

Accepted Answer

"Pay is low and its not enough for the amount of times you're being used by your managers" ((in 239 reviews)); "Vert short staffed and management poor" ((in 103 reviews)); "If you do get promoted from associate manager to assistant manager you get another dollar." ((in 64 reviews)); "Long hours or hours getting cut if it was quiet" ((in 58 reviews)); "Minimum wage and even when I was offered tips from guests I wasn't allowed to accept them." ((in 31 reviews))

Question 7

What are employees saying about Build-A-Bear layoffs in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Build-A-Bear layoffs and their outlook for job security at Build-A-Bear in 2026.

Question 8

What are the top reviewed Build-A-Bear locations?

Accepted Answer

Saint Louis, New York, Houston, Atlanta, Nashville, Chicago, Dallas, San Antonio, Orlando, Boston, Freehold, Fairfax, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Richmond, Albany, Tulsa, Indianapolis, Columbus, Anaheim, Jacksonville, Miami, Greensboro, Raleigh, Austin, Franklin, Toledo, San Diego, Overland Park, Pittsburgh

Build-A-Bear

Build-A-Bear reviews

Company ratings over time

Ratings by demographic groups

Reviews by job title

Pretty enjoyable job but the area manager made my life hell.

Awful

Manager

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