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

Build-A-Bear has an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5, based on over 1,850 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 .

Does Build-A-Bear pay their employees well?

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.

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

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.

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

Bear Builder (393) , 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)

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

"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 70 reviews)); "Fun work environment" ((in 60 reviews)); "Great team to work with." ((in 46 reviews)); "Great environment to work in" ((in 32 reviews))

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

"Pay is low and its not enough for the amount of times you're being used by your managers" ((in 236 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 67 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 28 reviews))

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

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.

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

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 reviews

3.8

59% would recommend to a friend

(1,769 total reviews)

Sharon John

60% approve of CEO

51% positive business outlook

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Build-A-Bear has an employee rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars, based on 1,769 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Build-A-Bear employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Retail & Wholesale industry (3.5 stars).

Reviews by job title

2K reviews

1.0

Jul 3, 2016

Hired me then cut my hours

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

flexible relaxing for the most part fun people to work with children are always happy to be in the store somewhat flexible dress code (black or beige pants with a white shirt)

Cons

never had more than 4 hours a week hired me because they were short staffed then cut my hours because they were over staffed always warm next to the machine

2.0

Jun 13, 2016

Poor reward

Bear builder

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Great team Lots of fun Relaxed Atmosphere (when not set targets or running parties)

Cons

Great deal expected of you Had to run children's parties on my own for up to 16 kids at once, each child had a limited budget and obviously they all want absolutely everything so preventing them from overspending but keeping them satisfied was a real challenge, then had to also keep them entertained with games whilst still stuff and sewing every child's bear, all in 1 hour!!! Management have the ability to make or break a team

3.0

May 26, 2016

amazing work environment

Bear builder associate

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

friendly colleagues ,good bosses lovely place to work

Cons

few shifts which means less pay

Viewing 1726 - 1728 of 1,769 Reviews

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Build-A-Bear reviews

Company ratings over time

Ratings by demographic groups

Reviews by job title

Hired me then cut my hours

Poor reward

amazing work environment

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