Career Overview
Install glass in windows, skylights, store fronts, and display cases, or on surfaces, such as building fronts, interior walls, ceilings, and tabletops.
Also Known As
- Commercial Glazier
- Field Glazier
- Glazer
- Glazier
Alternate Job Titles
- Architectural Glazier
- Art Glass Setter
- Auto Glass Tech (Automobile Glass Technician)
- Commercial Glazier
- Field Glazier
- Glass Fitter
- Glass Glazier
- Glass Inserter
- Glass Installer
- Glass Mechanic
- Glass Setter
- Glass Technician (Glass Tech)
- Glassman
- Glazer
- Glazier
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Read and interpret blueprints or specifications to determine size, shape, color, type, or thickness of glass, location of framing, installation procedures, or staging or scaffolding materials required.
- Determine plumb of walls or ceilings, using plumb lines and levels.
- Install pre-assembled metal or wood frameworks for windows or doors to be fitted with glass panels, using hand tools.
- Fabricate or install metal sashes or moldings for glass installation, using aluminum or steel framing.
- Operate cranes or hoists with suction cups to lift large, heavy pieces of glass.
- Set glass doors into frames and bolt metal hinges, handles, locks, or other hardware to attach doors to frames and walls.
- Cut, fit, install, repair, or replace glass or glass substitutes, such as plastic or aluminum, in building interiors or exteriors or in furniture or other products.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Building and Construction
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
- Trunk Strength
- Multilimb Coordination
- Manual Dexterity
- Problem Sensitivity
- Information Ordering
- Control Precision
- Static Strength
- Written Comprehension
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Stress Tolerance
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
- Achievement
- Support
- Independence
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Windows
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Adjustable wrenches
- Allen wrenches
- Automatic cutting tables
- Automatic diamond wheel edgers
- Automatic vertical edging machines
- Aviation snips
- Bastard files
- Bench grinders
- Bosun chairs
- Builders' levels
- Center punches
- Claw hammers
- Cold chisels
- Combination squares
Work Environment
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $37,710 |
| Median | $55,440 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $98,780 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 57,000
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $47,260
Carpenters
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $59,310
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $58,140
Brickmasons and Blockmasons
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $60,800
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $54,340
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.