Job Outlook for:
Glaziers
SOC: 47-2121 OOH: U266
| Glaziers Quick Stats |
|
| Total Jobs in 2016 | 50,100 |
| Expected Growth | 11% (Faster than average) |
| New Jobs To Be Added from 2016 to 2026 |
5,300 |
| Median Pay | $35,000 to $54,999 |
- Job Outlook for Glaziers
- Pay for Glaziers
- What do Glaziers do all day
- The work environment
- How to become one
Employment Outlook for Glaziers
Employment of glaziers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
Demand for glaziers stems both from new construction and the need to repair and replace windows and other glass in existing buildings. The availability of prefabricated windows that carpenters and construction laborers can install is expected to moderate the employment growth of glaziers.
Job Prospects
Job opportunities should be good because of growth in the construction industries. Workers will also be needed to replace the glaziers who leave the occupation each year.
Like many other types of construction worker jobs, employment of glaziers is sensitive to the fluctuations of the economy. On the one hand, glaziers may experience periods of unemployment when the overall level of construction falls. On the other hand, shortages of workers may occur in some areas during peak periods of building activity.
Typical Pay for Glaziers
The median annual wage for glaziers was $41,920 in May 2016. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,820, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $81,050.
In May 2016, the median annual wages for glaziers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Building finishing contractors | $48,360 |
| Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors | 42,720 |
| Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers | 38,060 |
| Manufacturing | 37,130 |
The starting pay for apprentices is less than what fully trained glaziers make. They receive more pay as they learn to do more. Glaziers who work at heights may be eligible for hazard pay.
Most glaziers work full time.
What Glaziers Do All Day
Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, and other fixtures in storefronts and buildings.
Duties
Glaziers typically do the following:
- Follow blueprints and specifications
- Remove any old or broken glass before installing replacement glass
- Cut glass to the specified size and shape
- Use measuring tape, plumb lines, and levels to ensure proper fitting installation
- Make or install sashes and moldings for glass installation
- Fasten glass into sashes or frames with clips, moldings, or other types of fasteners
- Add weather seal or putty around pane edges to seal joints
Glass has many uses in everyday life. For example, insulated and specially treated glass keeps in warm or cool air and controls sound and condensation. Tempered and laminated glass makes doors and windows more secure by making them less prone to breaking. Glaziers specialize in installing these different glass products.
In homes, glaziers install or replace windows, mirrors, shower doors, and bathtub enclosures. They fit glass for tabletops and display cases. On commercial interior projects, glaziers install items such as room dividers and security windows. Glazing projects may also involve exterior work such as replacing storefront windows for supermarkets, auto dealerships, banks, and other establishments.
For most large-scale construction jobs, glass is precut and mounted into frames at a factory or a contractor’s shop. The finished glass arrives at the jobsite ready for glaziers to position and secure into place. Using cranes or hoists with suction cups, workers lift large, heavy pieces of glass for installation. In cases where the glass is not secure inside the frame, glaziers may attach steel and aluminum sashes or frames to the building, and then secure the glass with clips, moldings, or other types of fasteners.
Many windows are now being covered with laminates—a thin film or coating placed over the glass. These coatings provide additional durability, security, and can add color or tint to interior and exterior glass. The laminate also provides safety benefits by making glass less prone to shattering, which makes it ideal for commercial use.
Workers who replace and repair glass in motor vehicles are covered in the automotive body and glass repairers profile.
Work Environment for Glaziers
Glaziers held about 50,100 jobs in 2016. The largest employers of glaziers were as follows:
| Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors | 68% |
| Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers | 12 |
| Building finishing contractors | 6 |
| Self-employed workers | 5 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
As in many other construction trades, the work of glaziers is physically demanding. They spend most of the day standing, bending, or reaching, and they often must lift and maneuver heavy, cumbersome materials, such as large glass plates.
Injuries and Illnesses
Glaziers have a higher rate of injuries and illnesses than the national average. Typical injuries for glaziers include falls and overexertion.
Work Schedules
Most glaziers work full time.
How To Become a Glazier
Glaziers typically enter the occupation with a high school diploma and learn their trade through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
Education
Glaziers typically enter the occupation with a high school diploma or equivalent.
Training
Glaziers typically learn their trade through a 4-year apprenticeship or on-the-job training. On the job, they learn to use the tools and equipment of the trade; handle, measure, cut, and install glass and metal framing; cut and fit moldings; and install and balance glass doors. Technical training includes learning different installation techniques, as well as basic mathematics, blueprint reading and sketching, general construction techniques, safety practices, and first aid.
A few groups sponsor apprenticeship programs, including several union and contractor associations. Most programs require apprentices to have a high school diploma or equivalent and be at least 18 years old. After completing an apprenticeship program, glaziers are considered to be journey workers who may do tasks on their own.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Some states may require glaziers to have a license; check with your state for more information. Licensure requirements typically include passing a test and possessing a combination of education and work experience.
Important Qualities
Balance. Glaziers need a good sense of balance while handling large panes of glass or while working on ladders or scaffolds.
Communication. Glaziers need to be able to communicate effectively with other team members and with customers to ensure the work is done precisely and on time.
Hand–eye coordination. Glaziers must be able to cut glass precisely. As a result, a steady hand is needed to cut the correct size and shape in the field.
Physical stamina. Glaziers work on their feet and move heavy pieces of glass most of the day. They need to be able to hold glass in place until it can be fully secured.
Physical strength. Glaziers must often lift heavy pieces of glass for hanging. Physical strength, therefore, is important for the occupation.
"Glaziers" SOC: 47-2121 OOH Code: U266