Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, and other fixtures in buildings.
Glaziers typically do the following:
Glaziers specialize in installing different glass products, such as insulated glass that retains warm or cool air and tempered glass that is less prone to breaking.
In homes, glaziers install or replace glass items including windows, mirrors, shower doors, and bathtub enclosures. On commercial projects, glaziers install items such as room dividers, display cases, and security windows. For either residential or commercial exterior projects, glaziers may install items such as architectural glass systems (glass used for exterior walls or other building material) or storefront windows in businesses.
For most large construction projects, glass is precut and mounted into frames at a factory or shop. The finished glass arrives at the jobsite ready for glaziers to position and secure into place. Using cranes or hoists with suction cups, workers lift large, heavy pieces of glass for installation. If the glass is not secure inside the frame, glaziers may attach steel and aluminum sashes or frames to the building and then secure the glass with clips, moldings, or other types of fasteners.
Workers who replace and repair glass in motor vehicles are described in the automotive body and glass repairers profile.
Glaziers held about 56,900 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of glaziers were as follows:
| Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors | 63% |
| Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers | 11 |
| Self-employed workers | 8 |
| Building finishing contractors | 6 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
As in many other construction trades, the work of glaziers is physically demanding. Glaziers spend most of the day standing, bending, or reaching, and they often must lift and maneuver heavy, cumbersome materials, such as large glass plates. Glaziers are often exposed to the weather while installing glass. They may be required to travel to different jobsites for commercial or residential work.
The work of glaziers can be dangerous, and workers risk injury. Injuries may include cuts from tools and glass, falls from ladders and scaffolding, and exposure to solvents. To minimize their risk of harm, workers may wear protective gear, such as safety glasses, harnesses, and gloves.
Most glaziers work full time.
Glaziers typically enter the occupation with a high school diploma and learn their trade through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
Glaziers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the occupation.
Glaziers typically learn their trade through a 3- or 4-year apprenticeship or on-the-job training. On the job, they learn to use the tools and equipment of the trade; handle, measure, cut, and install glass and metal framing; cut and fit moldings; and install and balance glass doors. Technical training includes learning different installation techniques, blueprint reading and sketching, general construction techniques, safety practices, and first aid.
A few groups sponsor apprenticeship programs, including several union and contractor associations. Most programs require apprentices to have a high school diploma or equivalent and be at least 18 years old. After completing an apprenticeship program, glaziers are considered to be journey workers who may do tasks on their own.
Some states may require glaziers to have a license; check with your state for more information. Licensure requirements typically include passing a test and having a combination of education and work experience.
Glaziers may choose to get optional certification, such the Architectural Glass and Metal Technician (AGMT), to demonstrate competency and to broaden employment opportunities.
Ability to work at heights. Glaziers must not be afraid to work at great heights while installing glass windows in skyscrapers or other tall buildings.
Communication skills. Glaziers need to be able to convey information to other team members and customers to ensure that the work is done correctly.
Detail oriented. Glaziers must be precise in their measurements, cuts, and modifications to avoid making costly mistakes.
Physical stamina. Glaziers are on their feet most of the day moving heavy pieces of glass. They also need to be able to hold glass in place until it can be fully secured.
Physical strength. Glaziers often must lift heavy pieces of glass for hanging.
Reading comprehension skills. Glaziers must be able to understand and follow complex blueprints and instruction manuals.
Median annual wages, May 2021
The median annual wage for glaziers was $47,180 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,470, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $79,340.
In May 2021, the median annual wages for glaziers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors | $47,750 |
| Building finishing contractors | 46,660 |
| Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers | 45,400 |
| Manufacturing | 37,840 |
Pay for apprentices is less than what fully trained glaziers make. Apprentices receive more pay as they gain experience. Glaziers who work at heights may be eligible for hazard pay.
Most glaziers work full time.
Percent change in employment, projected 2021-31
Employment of glaziers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 6,500 openings for glaziers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
An important component of buildings, glass improves access to natural light. Demand for glaziers stems both from new construction and from the need to repair and replace windows and other glass in existing buildings.
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | Employment by Industry | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | ||||||
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program |
|||||||
Glaziers |
47-2121 | 56,900 | 59,200 | 4 | 2,300 | Get data | |
For more details about apprenticeships or other work opportunities in this trade, contact the offices of the state employment service, the state apprenticeship agency, local contractors or firms that employ glaziers, or local union-management finishing trade apprenticeship committees. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship program online or by phone at 877-872-5627. Visit Apprenticeship.gov to search for apprenticeship opportunities.
For more information about glaziers, visit
Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
For information about opportunities for military veterans, visit: