### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Glaziers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			glaziers imageGlaziers may use specialized equipment to move windows into place.							
						Quick Facts:     Glaziers2023     Median Pay
            						$51,100     per year
										$24.57     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    High school diploma or equivalentWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    ApprenticeshipNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    54,500Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    2% (As fast as average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    1,200What Glaziers Do
                                                
                        
                        
Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, and other fixtures in buildings.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
As in many other construction trades, the work of glaziers is physically demanding. They may experience cuts from tools and glass, falls from ladders and scaffolding, and exposure to solvents. Most work full time.
            
                                                How to Become a Glazier
                                                
                        
Glaziers typically enter the occupation with a high school diploma and learn their trade through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for glaziers was $51,100 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of glaziers is projected to grow							 2 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
						About 5,500 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.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for glaziers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of glaziers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about glaziers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Glaziers Do 
            

			GlaziersSuction handles are used to pick up and maneuver glass.			
Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, and other fixtures in buildings.
Duties
Glaziers typically do the following:
Follow blueprints and specifications
Remove any existing glass before installing replacement glass
Cut glass to the specified size and shape
Use measuring tape, plumb lines, and levels to ensure proper fitting
Make or install sashes and moldings for installing glass
Fasten glass into sashes or frames with clips, moldings, or other types of fasteners
Add weather seal or putty around pane edges to seal jointsGlaziers 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.
 Work Environment
			GlaziersGlaziers may need to work at great heights.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Glaziers held about 54,500 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of glaziers were as follows:
        Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors
                68%Self-employed workers
                5Building finishing contractors
                5Manufacturing
                4As 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.
Injuries and Illnesses
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.
Work Schedules
Most glaziers work full time.
 How to Become a Glazier

			GlaziersGlaziers typically learn their trade through a 4-year apprenticeship or on-the-job training.			
Glaziers typically enter the occupation with a high school diploma and learn their trade through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
Education
Glaziers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the occupation.
Training
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.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
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.
Important Qualities
***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.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                GlaziersMedian annual wages, May 2023Construction trades workers$52,000  Glaziers$51,100  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for glaziers was $51,100 in May 2023. 


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 $36,440, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $97,030.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for glaziers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Building finishing contractors
                $54,560Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors
                52,670Manufacturing
                43,620Pay 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.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
               GlaziersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Construction trades workers3%  Total, all occupations3%  Glaziers2%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of glaziers is projected to grow				 2 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
			
			About 5,500 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.
			Employment
	
			
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.
			

                        Employment projections data for     glaziers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Glaziers**
			47-2121
			54,500
			55,700
			2
			1,200
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Glaziers **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of glaziers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Automotive Body and Glass Repairers**
            Automotive body and glass repairers restore, refinish, and replace vehicle bodies and frames, windshields, and window glass.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $48,450**Carpenters**
            Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $56,350**Construction Laborers and Helpers**
            Construction laborers and helpers perform tasks, such as using, supplying, or holding materials or tools and cleaning work areas and equipment, on construction sites.
            See How to Become One
            $44,310**Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers**
            Drywall and ceiling tile installers hang wallboard and install ceiling tile inside buildings. Tapers prepare the wallboard for painting.
            No formal educational credential
            $57,010**Masonry Workers**
            Masonry workers use bricks, concrete and concrete blocks, and natural and manmade stones to build structures.
            See How to Become One
            $53,010**Sheet Metal Workers**
            Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $58,780**Solar Photovoltaic Installers**
            Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers assemble, set up, and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $48,800**Flooring Installers and Tile and Stone Setters**
            Flooring installers and tile and stone setters lay and finish carpet, wood, vinyl, tile, and other materials.
            No formal educational credential
            $48,690
 Contacts for More Information
								
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.govto search for apprenticeship opportunities.
For more information about glaziers, visit
Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.
Finishing Trades Institute
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
National Glass Association
For information about opportunities for military veterans, visit:
Helmets to Hardhats
Related Career Outlook Articles
Interview with a... Glazier

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Glaziers
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Glaziers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/glaziers.htm (visited *May 20, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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