Glazier

Snapshot

Career Cluster(s): Architecture & Construction

Interests: Working with your hands, working with a team, communicating with others

Earnings (Yearly Median): $51,100 per year $24.57 per hour

Employment & Outlook: 2% (As fast as average)

Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent

Related Work Experience None

On-the-job Training Apprenticeship

Overview

Sphere of Work. Glaziers commonly work in the construction industry, installing and cutting glass for commercial and residential buildings. They also assemble and install metal-framed enclosures for glass and may, at times, be hired to cut and install glass for artistic and aesthetic reasons. Glaziers work with glass used in windows, storefronts, skylights, display cases, and other areas or objects. Oftentimes, glaziers must follow blueprints or other specifications to ensure that the glass they use is the correct size, color, and thickness. On repair jobs, glaziers must typically remove and dispose of old or broken glass in order for new glass to be put into place.

Work Environment. Glaziers work in a variety of indoor and outdoor locations, including both commercial and residential buildings. Many glaziers work within the construction industry, so working at construction sites is not uncommon. Some of this work is done on the outside of buildings that may be many stories tall, so there are some hazards associated with the position. Glaziers may also risk injury from tools and broken glass.

Occupation Interest. Glaziers spend a great deal of time at construction sites and sometimes at residential buildings. Interaction and communication with clients and other professionals in the construction industry are often essential, so those interested in glazier work should be personable and open to working as part of a team. Glaziers start out as apprentices and then often become self-employed, so those seeking work in the field must be organized and self-motivated.

A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. After a glazier assesses a job and examines the specifications and blueprints, they will either cut the necessary glass or contract another worker to do it. Sometimes, glass must be cut on-site. To do this, the glazier rests the glass securely on a frame or rack, measures it, and cuts it. To cut glass, glaziers use special glazing knives as well as saws, drills, and cutters. Some glaziers cut glass in their workshops using computers that guide lasers along the glass. This improves accuracy and reduces the amount of wasted glass.

Once the glass is safely transported to the job site, the glazier must set it in place and secure it. If repairing a broken window or other piece of glass, the glazier must first remove the old glass from its enclosure. Depending on the job and the size of the glass piece, the glazier may need to lift the glass with cranes or powerful suction cups. The glazier then carefully guides the new glass into place by hand, either alone or with a partner, depending on the size and weight of the glass and the location in which it is being installed.

Securing the glass is the next important step. Once the glazier has positioned the glass correctly, they use tools such as putty, cement, bolts, and gaskets to secure the glass in place. Different jobs require different tools for securing the glass.

Work Environment

Immediate Physical Environment. Glaziers typically work at construction sites with other professionals in the construction trade. Common sites at which glaziers may work include schools, homes, office buildings, and commercial locations. Glaziers also commonly have workshops in which they store, cut, and repair glass.

Human Environment. Depending on the job, a glazier may be required to interact directly with clients, site managers, business owners, and a variety of other professionals. Close collaboration with other workers and clients is common, so glaziers must have excellent communication skills.

Technological Environment. Glaziers use a wide range of tools, from hand tools such as suction cups and knives to large industrial machines such as cranes and scaffolds. If a glazier is also a small business owner, they may need to employ accounting and scheduling software, email clients, use the Internet to compare pricing, or advertise through social media.

Education, Training, and Advancement

High School/Secondary. There are no specific education requirements to become a glazier, as they typically learn the skills of the trade through formal apprenticeships, but some construction site managers may be more willing to hire a candidate with a high school diploma or the equivalent. Glaziers should have a basic knowledge of mathematics and technical drawing.

Postsecondary. Although postsecondary education is not required for most glaziers, there are some college-level courses that would greatly benefit those interested in the profession. A glazier should have a strong background in skills such as reading and modifying blueprints and other mechanical drawings. A basic knowledge of mathematics is also advantageous for a glazier. Many technical and community colleges offer courses that would be suitable for those seeking to enter the profession. Self-employed glaziers would benefit from coursework such as business or accounting classes.

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Bibliography

"Glaziers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/glaziers.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.

"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 47-2121 Glaziers." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472121.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.