What Does a Glazier Do?
Glaziers install glass in windows, doors, curtain walls, storefronts, and other structural applications in buildings. They work with various types of glass and framing systems to create weather-tight, secure, and visually appealing installations. This specialized construction trade requires precision, physical ability, and knowledge of glass handling techniques.
Other Job Titles for This Work
Workers in this occupation report titles such as Auto Glass Tech (Automobile Glass Technician), Commercial Glazier, Field Glazier, Glass Installer, Glass Technician (Glass Tech), Glassman, Glazer, Glazier Worker.
Glazier Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a glazier include:
- Measure openings and cut glass to specified sizes using glass cutters and saws.
- Install glass panes in window frames, curtain walls, storefronts, and skylights.
- Set and secure glass using glazing compounds, gaskets, clips, and structural sealants.
- Install aluminum, steel, and composite framing systems for glass applications.
- Read blueprints and specifications to determine glass types, sizes, and installation methods.
- Handle and transport large glass panels using suction cups, cranes, and specialized equipment.
- Apply films, coatings, or tints to glass surfaces when specified.
- Replace broken or damaged glass in existing structures.
- Seal and weatherproof glass installations to prevent air and water infiltration.
- Follow safety procedures for glass handling, fall protection, and power tool use.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a glazier, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Glass cutting and handling
- Curtain wall and storefront installation
- Sealant and glazing compound application
- Blueprint reading and measurement
- Metal framing system installation
- Fall protection and height safety
- Physical strength for heavy glass handling
- Precision and attention to detail
Education and Training
Glaziers typically learn through a four to five year apprenticeship program combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apprenticeships cover glass handling, installation techniques, blueprint reading, safety, and mathematics. A high school diploma or GED is required for most apprenticeship programs. Union apprenticeships through the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades are widely available. Some glaziers enter through community college or technical school programs in construction technology. OSHA 10-Hour Construction certification and fall protection training are standard requirements.
Salary and Job Outlook
Typical pay: $46,320 - $66,610 per year, with a median of $57,080.
The range covers the middle half of earners nationwide. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Glaziers.
Glaziers benefit from ongoing demand in commercial construction, which relies heavily on glass curtain walls and storefront systems. The architectural trend toward larger glass facades and energy-efficient glazing systems is expanding the scope of the trade. Repair and replacement of glass in existing buildings provides additional steady work. Glaziers with experience in high-rise curtain wall installation and specialty glass systems earn premium wages. Career advancement includes foreman, project manager, estimator, or glazing contractor positions. The specialized nature of the trade keeps competition for skilled workers high.
Glazier Pay Range
| Earners | Annual pay |
|---|---|
| Bottom 10% earn less than | $37,300 |
| Bottom 25% earn less than | $46,320 |
| Median (half earn more, half less) | $57,080 |
| Top 25% earn more than | $66,610 |
| Top 10% earn more than | $89,790 |
Highest-Paying States for Glaziers
The states with the highest median pay for this occupation are Massachusetts ($100,810), Hawaii ($80,800), District of Columbia ($78,390), New Jersey ($70,890), Oregon ($70,890). Pay is lowest in Arkansas ($44,700), Georgia ($43,340), Mississippi ($36,750).
Median pay in all 50 states with BLS data
| State | Median annual pay |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $45,520 |
| Alaska | $63,000 |
| Arizona | $56,560 |
| Arkansas | $44,700 |
| California | $64,040 |
| Colorado | $62,340 |
| Connecticut | $63,840 |
| District of Columbia | $78,390 |
| Florida | $47,030 |
| Georgia | $43,340 |
| Hawaii | $80,800 |
| Idaho | $59,850 |
| Illinois | $61,840 |
| Indiana | $60,210 |
| Iowa | $57,330 |
| Kansas | $47,090 |
| Kentucky | $49,110 |
| Louisiana | $47,150 |
| Maine | $47,770 |
| Maryland | $59,890 |
| Massachusetts | $100,810 |
| Michigan | $52,770 |
| Minnesota | $66,130 |
| Mississippi | $36,750 |
| Missouri | $51,430 |
| Montana | $49,360 |
| Nebraska | $50,190 |
| Nevada | $49,490 |
| New Hampshire | $58,850 |
| New Jersey | $70,890 |
| New Mexico | $46,940 |
| New York | $61,760 |
| North Carolina | $46,170 |
| North Dakota | $61,800 |
| Ohio | $60,200 |
| Oklahoma | $45,380 |
| Oregon | $70,890 |
| Pennsylvania | $58,810 |
| Rhode Island | $61,650 |
| South Carolina | $50,650 |
| South Dakota | $47,140 |
| Tennessee | $48,610 |
| Texas | $47,730 |
| Utah | $51,470 |
| Vermont | $60,390 |
| Virginia | $59,260 |
| Washington | $66,860 |
| West Virginia | $49,810 |
| Wisconsin | $62,400 |
| Wyoming | $55,030 |
What the Work Is Like
O*NET surveys people who work as glaziers about their daily conditions. Of those surveyed:
- 97% use their hands on tools, objects or controls for more than half the day
- 97% say being exact and accurate is very or extremely important
- 85% say teamwork is very or extremely important in their job
- 81% spend more than half the workday on their feet
- 74% wear safety gear such as gloves, safety glasses or a hard hat every day
- 68% bend or twist for more than half the day
- 54% work outdoors in all kinds of weather every day
Education Workers Say the Job Needs
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or GED | 44% |
| Less than high school | 36% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 12% |
| Some college | 8% |
Tools and Software Glaziers Use
Tools and equipment
Software
Is This Job a Good Fit for You?
People who do well in this job tend to enjoy hands-on work with tools, machines or the outdoors as well as organized work with data, records and clear procedures.
Skills O*NET rates most important: Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Coordination, Time Management, Active Listening.
Knowledge areas used most: Building and Construction, Mechanical, Mathematics, Administration and Management, Design.
Preparation: O*NET places this occupation in Job Zone 2 of 5, which means some preparation.
Related Careers
These jobs use similar skills, according to O*NET's related-occupation data:
Applying for a Glazier Job
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Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
- O*NET 30.1 Database, occupation 47-2121.00 (Glaziers). View on O*NET OnLine.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.1 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. The Job Explorer has modified some of the information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these changes.