What Does a Glazier Do?

Glaziers are skilled workers who specialize in working with glass. They cut and install glass in showers, window frames, bathtubs, display cases and other commercial or residential structures.

A glazier's career usually starts with an apprenticeship. This gives you the opportunity to learn on the job while earning money. Then, after completing the course, you are a journeyman glazier.

Job Tasks

Glaziers install and repair glass windows, skylights, doors and other fixtures in buildings. They use blueprints to cut and fit the glass to size and secure it with sashes and moldings. Sealants are also used to prevent the infiltration of water and air. This is a highly skilled trade which is ideal for those who are detail-oriented and physically fit. Glaziers must be able to balance themselves on ladders and scaffolding.


Glaziers may need to create specific pieces in their workshops according to the size and type of glass to be installed. They then load them on trucks to be delivered to the job site. At the job site Glaziers measure and mark lines or patterns on the glass prior to cutting it, if necessary. repairmywindowsanddoors remove broken glass and prepare the site for the new installation. Glaziers apply mastic, putty, paste or bolts to ensure that the glass is properly installed. They also clean up the site after they have finished.

The formal training of glaziers generally lasts four years and includes 144 hours of technical education as well as 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. After completing the program, glaziers are considered journeymen and can perform independently. Foremen can be promoted from journeymen who have solid mechanical skills. They are also adept at laying materials out and coordinating labor team and have outstanding interpersonal skills.

To become a glazier, you need to have the physical stamina and good hand-eye coordination to cut glass accurately on the job. They need to be able to lift heavy pieces and hold them until they can be secured. They must also be able to work outside in the rain.

To construct building projects, glaziers work with other tradesmen, such as steel fixers and floor and wall tilers. They also collaborate with engineers, architects and project managers. Glaziers with a solid understanding of construction and architectural blueprints are in high demand.

Holland Code assessments indicate that those who are interested in becoming glaziers have "Building" or "Organizing" as their interests. They are enthusiastic about working with their hands and fixing things and also creating and arranging information into organized systems. They should also be proficient at reading and analyzing data, and have the ability to effectively communicate with coworkers and customers.

Education and Training Requirements

Glaziers must possess the equivalent of a high school diploma or equivalent qualification, and they learn their trade through a three or four-year apprenticeship. Certain organizations sponsor apprenticeship programs for glaziers such as unions and contractor associations. Apprentices begin as helpers, and then progress through the ranks to become journeymen capable of performing tasks on their own. Find out more about your state and find out if they require a license for glaziers.

To be successful, glaziers must possess a wide range of skills that include manual dexterity, balance physical endurance and the ability to lift huge sheets of glass. They also require eye-hand coordination in order to cut precise measurements. They also need to solve arithmetic calculations quickly and precisely. Glaziers often have to work at altitudes of up to a hundred feet. They need to have a good balance and be comfortable with ladders and scaffolds. They also need to be competent in reading blueprints, layout bench marks and control lines dimensions and use various hand tools.

Most Glaziers work for construction and specialist fenestration companies. However, they can also be self-employed. These professionals often have to travel to various construction sites to complete their work. Glaziers generally work full time, but they may need to accept additional hours when working on projects that have deadlines.

Certain glaziers are certified by professional organizations, such as the National Glass Association, which offers the Certified Glazier (CGI) certification to glaziers who have at minimum two years of industry experience. Obtaining this certification can increase your opportunities for employment and demonstrate to employers that you are dedicated to high-quality workmanship and safety standards in the field.

Other requirements include having an official driving license and a clean driving record and the ability to pass a background check. You should be able to read blueprints and communicate with supervisors and team members. If you're looking to become a glazier, you should consider enrolling for an account on SkillHero account to research apprenticeship and training opportunities. The app lets you create your own resume which highlights your skills and education.

Work Environment

They repair and install glass components like windows, doors, skylights and mirrors. They also install and fix insulation panels architectural features, as well as other architectural elements. They make sure that these components are functional while maintaining their visual aesthetics and security.

The nature of the job requires physical strength and stamina Glaziers spend the majority of their time on their feet, handling large glass sheets and climbing ladders and scaffolding for long periods. They must also take care of safety precautions when working at heights, since falling off could cause serious injury. It is possible to be exposed to vapors of sealants, adhesives, and etching chemicals.

Glaziers are often called upon to take on bespoke projects, which showcase their artistic ability in the field. These projects can range from creating bespoke window displays to showcase the work of restaurants, to intricately engraving patterns onto glass doors. These bespoke projects offer the opportunity for glaziers who can combine aesthetic appeal with practical beauty. They are an integral part of the building construction and interior design industries.

Glaziers enjoy a high level of satisfaction at work because their work is both enjoyable and challenging. Most glaziers are interested in working with tasks that are practical as well as real-world materials. They tend to have Building and Organizing interest according to the Holland Code framework. These interests show an interest in solving problems that require the creation or repair of practical objects, as well as keeping organized records and documents.

Some glaziers specialize in certain kinds of glazing. While most glaziers work on residential or commercial structures, others are specialists in a particular type of glass. For commercial buildings of large size, insulated, specially tempered glass helps to conserve energy. Laminated glass is typically employed in homes to improve security and reduce the risk of breaking. Some glaziers specialize in creating custom-made pieces of glass for vehicles or buildings with intricate designs.

The demand for glaziers expected to rise slightly in the next decade as architects look to incorporate more energy-efficient glass in new structures and those that are upgraded, according to Labor Finders. Apprenticeship opportunities are readily available, as well as entry-level positions for people who have not yet completed formal education.

Salary

Glaziers earn more than the average of construction workers. Their pay can vary depending on the state where they live, though. Glaziers may work either full-time or part-time, and gain experience in the field. They may also choose to work for themselves and offer jobs on job sites that are specifically designed for them, similar to freelancers.

Glaziers are skilled craftsmen who are skilled in working with glass, typically at high elevations. They are responsible for measuring, cutting, and installing glass in structures like skylights windows, window frames, display cases bathtubs and showers. People who choose this career path could work for independent contractors or larger construction companies.

They also analyze blueprints and measure materials to prepare for installation procedures. They must have a clear vision, hand-eye coordination and the ability to lift heavy objects. Despite the physical demands of their jobs Glaziers are usually satisfied with their earnings and enjoy their work.

The career advancement of a glazier can be rapid in the event that they are able to quickly learn their trade through on-the job training. This can be done through an apprenticeship program, or they may attend a vocational school to gain the required skills. Glaziers often are self-employed, and determine their own rates for pay and work hours.

Glaziers must be able to solve difficulties in challenging situations because they deal with an extremely valuable building material. They often work on high-rise buildings, so they must be able maneuver within tight areas. They also need to work with sophisticated equipment.

Glaziers often face extreme weather conditions when they are on the job which can include rain and snow. These conditions can make their work even more difficult, and they have to be able to adapt quickly to weather conditions that change.

In 2022, the GINI coefficient for Glaziers was 0.31 which is less than the national average of 0.478. This means that wages for Glaziers are more evenly distributed than the national average across all sectors. This is a good signal for those looking to get into the career.