Glaziers

Career summary

Glaziers may also be called glassworkers or window installers.

#match with wois 4248, checked 2/17/15 lh

Glaziers prefer to cut glass in the shop rather than at the job site. Glaziers put uncut glass on a cutting table and measure the cutting line. They use a glass-cutting tool with a hard wheel to mark the cut line. By pressing the cutter's wheel firmly on the glass, glaziers cut (score) into the surface of the glass. By pressing on the shorter end of the glass, glaziers break it along the score line. Once the glass is cut, glaziers may cut and apply anti-glare film to reduce glare.

Transporting cut glass to the work site takes care. Glaziers use a delivery truck designed to safely transport glass. They use suction cups to move it to the truck. If the glass is large, glaziers use a crane to load it onto a truck. When they transport mirrors, glaziers cover them with protective coverings so they are not damaged. At the job site, glaziers unload the glass and equipment they will need for installation.

To install mirrors, glaziers cut and attach mounting strips or moldings to the wall. They use a plumb-line and level to make sure everything is lined up correctly. They secure the mirror with metal clips, moldings, bolts, or other devices.

To install a pane of glass, glaziers put the glass on a bed of putty to hold the glass in the frame. They secure the glass with clips or bolts. The process for installing large panes of glass is somewhat different. Glaziers screw molding into place and place the glass up against it. They attach face molding and corner pieces to firmly hold the glass in place.

Glaziers sometimes install glass doors. In addition to cutting the glass, they must install the hinges and handles on the door and attach the door to the wall. Those who install glass doors wired for security need to know about electronics.

Some glaziers specialize in installing stained glass, while others install panels on refrigerated display cases. Others work in factories installing glass in products such as doors and china cabinets.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Auto Glass Installers
• Cement Masons
• Construction Helpers
• General Construction Workers
• Insulation Installers
• Painters
• Roofers
• Tile Setters
• Wallpaper Hangers
• Weatherization Installers and Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to glaziers.

• Read work order or blueprints, or talk to customers about what they need.
• Select glass according to specifications.
• Score and cut glass to specifications, using cutting tools.
• Mount glass in frames.
• Load glass onto delivery truck, using suction cups and loading crane.
• Cover glass with protective material to prevent damage.
• Drive truck to delivery site and unload glass and equipment.
• Determine plumb of walls or ceilings.
• Attach mounting strips or molding to window opening.
• Install framework for windows and stained glass.
• Set glass in place.
• Apply putty, glazing compound, or other devices to hold glass in place.
• Use a glazing knife to trim excess glazing material.
• Install metal-framed enclosures for showers and baths.
• Bolt metal hinges, handles, and locks onto glass doors.
• Install glass security windows.
• Measure, cut, and fit anti-glare adhesive film to glass.
• Measure and locate where to attach mirror.

Common work activities

Glaziers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Handle and move objects
• Get information needed to do the job
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Evaluate information against standards
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Control machines and processes
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Perform for or work with the public
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Schedule work and activities
• Think creatively

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, glaziers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Have a medium level of social interaction. They interact with customers, but also work alone.
• Usually talk to others in person or by telephone.
• Often work as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other glaziers and assistants.
• Are occasionally are placed in conflict situations in which customers may be upset or unpleasant.

Physical work conditions

• Always wear protective or safety attire such as gloves and glasses.
• Work indoors when installing mirrors and shower doors.
• Work outdoors when installing outside windows.
• Are often exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels, especially when cutting glass.
• Are often exposed to contaminants.
• May have to climb ladders and scaffolds to reach high places.
• Sometimes are exposed to hazardous equipment, such as glass cutting tools.
• Are occasionally exposed to hazardous situations.
• Often work physically near others, usually within a few feet.

Work performance

• Must fully complete and be exact in their work. Improperly installed windows can be unsafe or let in outside air.
• Must repeat the same physical activities.
• Usually make decisions and set daily tasks and goals in conjunction with a supervisor.
• Must meet strict daily and weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work 40 hours per week.
• May not work for periods of time due to bad weather or low construction activity.

Physical demands

Glaziers frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for glaziers to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for glaziers to be able to:

• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.

Skills and abilities

Glaziers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Construction Trades

Other programs of study to consider

• Building Construction Technology

Training

To work as a glazier, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete an apprenticeship program.

Education after high school

Most glaziers learn their skills through apprenticeship training programs. Union and non-union apprenticeship programs are available. Admission to apprenticeship programs is competitive. To apply for an apprenticeship, you must:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• be at least 18 years old; and
• be in good physical condition.

Apprenticeship programs usually consist of four years of on-the-job training. You are paid for the time you spend on the job. In addition, each year you receive at least 144 hours of classroom training.

To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities in your area, consult the US Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information  website.

You can prepare for an apprenticeship by taking courses at a professional-technical or two-year school. Courses in general math and drafting prepare students to enter apprenticeship programs. However, these courses are not required to qualify for an apprenticeship.

On-the-job training

Some glaziers receive informal on-the-job training from an experienced worker. Trainees usually begin as helpers. They learn to measure, score, cut, and install glass. On-the-job training lasts several years.

Washington apprenticeships

Although there are no formal educational requirements for this occupation in Washington, a four-year apprenticeship is available and recommended.

Entry level apprentices usually must:

• be at least 18 years old;
• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• be able to read, write, and speak English;
• pass math assessment test;
• have good physical strength;
• have a current Washington State driver's license; and
• have reliable transportation to work sites.

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Checked above info 4/3/18 cj. 2/25/19 lh

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Carpentry
• Construction
• Drafting
• Industrial Arts
• Woodworking

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for applicants who are at least 17 years old. They look for applicants who are in good physical shape and have good manual dexterity. A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required. Applicants for apprenticeship programs may need training in electronics and experience working on computers.

Sometimes workers are hired for jobs because they have special skills. Helpers and laborers may be hired to work part time or during the summer.

Tips

Positions in larger glass shops may offer steadier employment. Courses in plane geometry, blueprint reading or mechanical drawing, algebra, and shop are helpful. Basic welding and mechanical skills are also helpful. A driver's license is required by many employers.

Experienced workers may want to take training courses or become certified by the National Glass Association listed in the Other Resources section of this description.

#Checked info above 4/1/05 lh & also 3/28/06, CJ. Deleted contact info for NGA here since it is in Other Resources, cj. Certification still offered as of 4/4/12 & 3/17/14, 4/19/16 cj. Certification appears to be offered for glass contractors and more general OSHA, etc. training for workers, 4/3/18 cj.

Costs to workers

Most workers provide their own hand tools. Workers who belong to a union must pay initiation fees and regular dues. Some may want to become certified by national organizations, which charge a fee. Employers may pay for workers' certification.

Licensing/certification

Some states require glaziers to have a license.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Glaziers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Glaziers who belong to a union usually earn higher wages. Pay for apprentices normally begin at half the rate of experienced workers and increase every six months. Glaziers may work less when weather is bad or construction activity is slow. Thus, they may have lower wages during the winter months.

Benefits may include health insurance and paid vacation days. Some unions offer retirement plans.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, job growth for glaziers is influenced by activity in the construction sector, including the amount of new residential and commercial structures being built. When the housing market and the economy slow down, most job openings occur due to workers leaving this occupation.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Glass installation contractors
• Windows stores
• Automotive repair shops
• Window manufacturers

National outlook

Increased demand for glass exteriors will result in more jobs for glaziers. This is due to the improved energy efficiency of glass windows. In addition, many people will replace their existing windows for security reasons. Specialized safety glass will be used to protect against hurricanes, especially in commercial and government buildings. Some people will remodel their homes and add additional windows, sunrooms, and skylights.

Job openings vary with construction activity, apprenticeship openings, and weather conditions. Employment should be highest in cities where there are larger buildings with more windows.

Other resources

Finishing Trades Institute Northwest 

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades 
7234 Parkway Drive
Hanover, MD 21076
410.564.5900

Interview with a Glazier 
Bureau of Labor Statistics Career Outlook, May 2020

National Glass Association 
1945 Old Gallows Road, Suite 750
Vienna, VA 22182
866.342.5642

North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) 
815 16th ST, NW, Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006

Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council 
906 Columbia Street SW, Suite 107
Olympia, WA 98501
360.357.6778

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Glaziers (47-2121.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Glazier (865.381-010) 
• Glazier Apprentice (865.381-014) 
• Mirror Installer (865.361-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled