Glaziers

What the job really is

Install glass in windows, skylights, store fronts, and display cases, or on surfaces, such as building fronts, interior walls, ceilings, and tabletops.

At a glance

• Sector: Construction & Extraction
• O*NET-SOC code: 47-2121
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Read 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.
• Determine plumb of walls or ceilings, using plumb lines and levels.
• Install pre-assembled metal or wood frameworks for windows or doors to be fitted with glass panels, using hand tools.
• Fabricate or install metal sashes or moldings for glass installation, using aluminum or steel framing.
• Operate cranes or hoists with suction cups to lift large, heavy pieces of glass.
• Set glass doors into frames and bolt metal hinges, handles, locks, or other hardware to attach doors to frames and walls.
• Cut, fit, install, repair, or replace glass or glass substitutes, such as plastic or aluminum, in building interiors or exteriors or in furniture or other products.
• Drive trucks to installation sites and unload mirrors, glass equipment, or tools.
• Load and arrange glass or mirrors onto delivery trucks, using suction cups or cranes to lift glass.
• Measure mirrors and dimensions of areas to be covered to determine work procedures.
• Cut and attach mounting strips, metal or wood moldings, rubber gaskets, or metal clips to surfaces in preparation for mirror installation.
• Pack spaces between moldings and glass with glazing compounds and trim excess material with glazing knives.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Windows, Adjustable widemouth pliers, Adjustable wrenches, Allen wrenches, American Glazing Software AGS WindowPricer, Automatic cutting tables, Automatic diamond wheel edgers, Automatic vertical edging machines, Aviation snips, Bastard files

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers
• Carpenters
• Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
• Brickmasons and Blockmasons
• Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles
• Tile and Stone Setters
• Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall
• Sheet Metal Workers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Glaziers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.