Why We Love It
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$45,420Potential Avg. Salary
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4.2%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Don't Take Work HomeCareer Attribute
A glazier is a skilled craftsman that works with glass in its different forms. They often use their trade in various contexts from working on commercial buildings to private residences.
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What is a Glazier?
Duties
The following duties are to be prioritized by a glazier:
- Work with different surfaces and settings to fasten glass such as doors, shower doors, storefronts, mirrors, ceilings, tables, wall interiors, display cases and skylights.
- Use glazier’s points to place glass panes securely into wood sashes or frames, then spread weather seal on edges to secure the joints with a knife.
- Efficiently attach metal hinges, locks and other parts to prefabricated glass doors after fitting it into frame and hinges.
- Ensure that safety policies and procedures are followed accurately and regularly, which includes use of protective clothing and safety gloves.
- Drive vehicle to commercial installation sites or clients’ residences to unload equipment and tools required for glass installation.
Day In The Life
Glaziers spend a big part of their day installing a wide range of glass products. You may also be replacing such products in different settings like furniture pieces and buildings – both commercial and residential. Often, you may use other materials like aluminium, marble, plastics and granite as substitutes for glass. At residences, you will be called in to install or replace pre-made glass fittings ranging from bathtub enclosures to mirrors. Commercial interiors may require expertise assembling room dividers and security windows.
Work Schedule
During your career as a glazier, you will mostly work full time. As per 2012, around 8 percent glaziers were self-employed and could decide on their own schedule as per preference. Some professionals in this industry also work in shifts and receive payment on an hourly basis. Similar to other maintenance and repair trades, working as a glazier can be physically demanding. You must be comfortable working outside in different weather conditions such as rains, extreme temperatures and snow. You will have to spend a large part of the working hours stretching, standing or bending while lifting or moving heavy materials like glass sheets.
Growth Of The Job
According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, the glass manufacturing industry will have high growth through the year 2020 as construction projects will continue to require glass exteriors and interiors. With advanced designs and more energy efficient glass products such as specialised laminated glass, architects will incorporate glass in modern building designs. With older workers retiring or looking for better opportunities, promising career prospects are expected for aspiring candidates. There will be greater employment opportunities in metropolitan areas compared to sub-urban regions, as that is where more glass stores and contracted glaziers are located.
Typical Employers
Glaziers can find employment with glass manufacturing companies, full service glass businesses, commercial glazing and construction companies as well as big corporate firms. Based on the assignment, you may also be contracted to provide solutions for private residences, factories and workshops. Here are a few examples of prospective employers: AT&T, Construction Labour Contractors, USI All Purpose Windows & Doors, Tradesmen International, Inc.
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How To Become a Glazier
To enter the profession of a glazier, you must be 18 years old and above, and possess at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. It is particularly useful to have completed coursework in mathematics to make accurate technical calculations and measurements as required for a project. In addition, you will eventually have to enroll in a three-year apprenticeship program which will consist of 144 hours of technical training as well as 2000 hours of on the job training per year.
The technical training can include classroom instruction in relevant topics like reading blueprints, basic math and construction methods. You will also become aware of the latest safety practices and receive training in first aid, as the risk of injuries during work is high. On the job training is especially helpful to give you a sense of what to expect in the actual work environment and which skills should be prioritized. When you complete your apprenticeship, you will be referred to as a journey worker or someone with adequate skills to take on projects without supervision.
Apart from the formal training, qualities that are required to be a successful glazier will include superior physical strength and excellent hand-eye coordination. You must be comfortable working at high elevations, stand on ladders or use scaffolding to get the job done.
Glazier 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
$32,060Average
$45,420High Range
$79,050National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$15/hrAverage
$22/hrHigh Range
$38/hrHow do Glazier salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Glazier's can make an average annual salary of $45,420, or $22 per hour. This makes it an Above Average Salary. On the lower end, they can make $32,060 or $15 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#445 Nationally for All Careers
Highest Education Among Glaziers
- 0% Doctorate
- 0.3% Masters
- 3.5% Bachelors
- 3.7% Associates
- 19.8% College
- 53.1% High School
- 19.7% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
45,3002024 Est. Jobs
47,200Job Growth Rate
4.2%Est. New Jobs
1,900How does Glazier job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 1,900 jobs for a total of 47,200 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 4.2% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#474 Nationally for All Careers
What Companies Employ The Most Glaziers
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building material and supplies dealers | 6,400 | 200 | 0% |
| Self-employed workers | 1,800 | 100 | 0% |
| Automotive body, paint, interior, and glass repair | 1,600 | 100 | 0% |
