Glaziers
Install glass in windows, skylights, store fronts, and display cases, or on surfaces, such as building fronts, interior walls, ceilings, and tabletops.
Also called: Architectural Glazier, Art Glass Setter, Auto Glass Tech (Automobile Glass Technician), Commercial Glazier, Field Glazier, Glass Fitter
Median pay
$57,080
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$37,300 – $89,790
People employed
58,480
Holland code
RCA
Realistic · Conventional · Artistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 2.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 3.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 4.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 5.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Glaziers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (49 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What glaziers do
- 01Read 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.
- 02Determine plumb of walls or ceilings, using plumb lines and levels.
- 03Install pre-assembled metal or wood frameworks for windows or doors to be fitted with glass panels, using hand tools.
- 04Fabricate or install metal sashes or moldings for glass installation, using aluminum or steel framing.
- 05Operate cranes or hoists with suction cups to lift large, heavy pieces of glass.
- 06Set glass doors into frames and bolt metal hinges, handles, locks, or other hardware to attach doors to frames and walls.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Writing
Knowledge
- Building and Construction
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
- Design
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from glaziers
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters82% · −10%
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters78% · −17%
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic78% · +12%
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers75% · −6%
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining75% · +1%
Change into glaziers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Mechanical Door Repairers80% · $55,720
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers79% · $47,630
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters78% · $47,550
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters78% · $42,360
- Fence Erectors77% · $47,980
Majors that lead here
- Glazier
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.