Why We Love It
-
$35,210Potential Avg. Salary
-
7.8%Job Growth Rate
-
Growing DemandJob Outlook
-
Growing IndustryCareer Attribute
A Windshield Repair Technician is responsible for replacing or repairing window glass and windshield damages in a wide range of motor vehicles. To do this, you may have to remove other parts of the vehicle like grilles, hoods and trim.
Recommended Schools
What is a Windshield Repair Technician?
Duties
Here is the list of duties you can expect to perform as a windshield repair technician:
- Carefully removing and replacing auto glass applications in accordance with safety standards.
- Cut glass in specific dimensions and handle the product with skill for accurate positioning.
- Keep abreast of the latest trends and technical knowledge in the glass industry for updated solutions to clients.
- Examine vehicle closely and communicate clearly with customers as to pricing of service offered and extent of repair work to be done for windshield.
- Keep work area clean and ensure that all equipment, tools and supplies are properly stored at all times.
Day In The Life
A day as a windshield repair technician requires focus and patience to finish multiple projects in a short time. You will be repairing or replacing different models of cracked and broken windshields or car windows. Working at an auto body repair shop or car dealership, you will have to take on certain administrative duties and communicate often with clients on service estimates and receipts, along with auto repairs.
Sometimes, you will have to travel to the customer’s location to make the repair on-site with short notice. Depending on the type of repair work, you will have to properly use personal protective equipment like hearing protection, welding goggles, respirators, face shield and rubber soled shoes. You may also have to use both hand and air tools, or measuring tools like callipers, thickness gauges, micrometers and temperature gauges for completing your work.
Work Schedule And Typical Hours
Technicians in this career path can expect to have a flexible work schedule, with the occasional travel to customers’ locations and overtime work. You may have to work late nights, holidays and weekends when meeting deadlines for repair projects. The work environment can be high-pressure and hazardous due to noxious fumes from use of chemicals like adhesives, and the use of heavy power tools. Working with close attention to detail and in compliance with safety practices is paramount.
Growth Of The Job
Professions related to automotive repairs and refinishing are expected to have great potential for future employment. According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, you can expect a projected employment growth of 8% between 2014-2024. With the number of vehicles requiring windshield repairs increasing every day, there will be steady demand for windshield repair technicians. In addition, jobs will become available as more workers are replaced or retire. Continuous learning through attending workshops and seminars will open up new doors for technicians in this field, and raise chances of promotions or raises.
Typical Employers
You can find plenty of opportunities in the field as a windshield repair technician, with auto glass replacement and repair companies, auto body repair shops, manufacturing facilities and car dealerships. Some names of typical employers include ABRA Auto Body and Glass, Gerber Collision and Glass, Capitol Auto Group, Luther Automotive, NOVUS Glass, Glass Doctor and more.
Recommended Schools
How To Become a Windshield Repair Technician
You need to complete technical training before entering the job market as a windshield repair technician. Depending on the type of training program, you can expect the course to run from six months to a year, covering topics like corrosion, auto glass installation, adhesives and sealants and windshield repair procedures. You will also learn about protective gear, safety procedures and devices to be used in an auto body shop setting.
Once you have finished a certified glass repair training program, you have to pass an exam administered by the National Glass Association (NGA) to ensure you are compatible for the job. While you may find employment without this certification, most big employers trust this credential as proof of your skill level.
As a repair technician, you must convey a positive yet professional attitude for all projects you undertake. Being comfortable with tight time schedules and meeting deadlines will enhance your trustworthy reputation and performance levels. Properly using all safety gear and keeping the work area clean gives a good impression to clients and helps keep your work organized. Having an unrestricted driver’s license and good hand-eye coordination are other aspects that can increase your chances of a promising job.
Windshield Repair Technician Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$26,460Average
$35,210High Range
$50,080National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$13/hrAverage
$17/hrHigh Range
$24/hrHow do Windshield Repair Technician salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Windshield Repair Technician's can make an average annual salary of $35,210, or $17 per hour. This makes it an Above Average Salary. On the lower end, they can make $26,460 or $13 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#615 Nationally for All Careers
Highest Education Among Windshield Repair Technicians
- 0% Doctorate
- 0% Masters
- 3.1% Bachelors
- 5.6% Associates
- 17.5% College
- 58.3% High School
- 15.4% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
19,3002024 Est. Jobs
20,800Job Growth Rate
7.8%Est. New Jobs
1,500How does Windshield Repair Technician job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 1,500 jobs for a total of 20,800 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 7.8% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#285 Nationally for All Careers
What Companies Employ The Most Windshield Repair Technicians
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive body, paint, interior, and glass repair | 13,900 | 1,200 | 1% |
| Self-employed workers | 3,400 | 100 | 0% |
| Automotive mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance | 400 | 100 | 0% |
