Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Apprenticeship
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Glaziers install, repair, and work with glass and related materials, combining hands-on craft with practical problem-solving. Nationally, about 60,000 people work in this occupation, with a median annual salary of $55,440. The field shows projected employment growth of 3.3%, along with about 5,000 openings each year, indicating ongoing demand for new and experienced workers. The role calls for strong physical strength and stamina, fine motor skills, and mechanical ability, as well as attention to detail and customer service skills. Leadership, project management, and creativity and innovation can further support career development in this trade. With a typical education requirement of a high school diploma or equivalent, this path can be accessible to students and career changers who want to build skills on the job. For those interested in construction-related work that blends physical activity with precision and problem-solving, glazier careers offer a structured, skills-based pathway with multiple regional opportunities.
Glaziers earn a national median salary of $55,440, but pay can vary meaningfully by location. Among top states by opportunity score, Massachusetts stands out with a median salary of $100,810, while Washington reports $66,860 and California $64,040. New York and Colorado show median salaries of $61,760 and $62,340, respectively. At the metro level, Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH has a median salary of $107,610, the highest among highlighted metros. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA offers $82,420, and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA reports $74,550. The New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ area shows $69,480, and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV reports $63,310. These figures suggest that some regions, particularly certain metros in Massachusetts and California, may offer substantially higher earning potential than the national median, which can be an important consideration when evaluating job offers and relocation options.
National employment for glaziers stands at about 60,000, with projected employment growth of 3.3%. The occupation is expected to generate approximately 5,000 openings per year, which can come from a mix of new positions and turnover in existing roles. This combination of current employment size, projected growth rate, and annual openings points to a steady flow of opportunities for both new entrants and experienced workers. The consistent 3.3% growth figure appears across the national level and in the highlighted states and metro areas, indicating a similar projected trend in diverse regions. For job seekers and career changers, this outlook suggests an environment where new jobs continue to be created and existing roles regularly need to be filled. Individuals who build strong core skills—such as physical strength and stamina, fine motor skills, mechanical ability, and attention to detail—may be better positioned to tap into these ongoing opportunities over time.
Location choices can significantly shape a glazier’s experience, combining factors like salary, employment levels, and overall opportunity scores. Among states, California has the largest listed employment at 7,020 glaziers, with a median salary of $64,040 and an opportunity score of 67.38. Massachusetts offers a much higher median salary of $100,810, though with smaller employment at 1,080 and an opportunity score of 65.87. New York (3,400 employed, $61,760 median), Colorado (2,040 employed, $62,340 median), and Washington (1,460 employed, $66,860 median) provide additional options with solid opportunity scores. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA shows an opportunity score of 77.42 and median pay of $82,420, while the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro is similar in opportunity score at 77.27 and offers $69,480. Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH combines a $107,610 median salary with a 63.37 opportunity score. These differences give job seekers a range of choices, from larger labor markets to higher-paying metros.
The typical education requirement for glaziers is a high school diploma or equivalent, making this career accessible to people who do not plan to complete a four-year degree. Success in this field depends heavily on developing the right skills. Core physical capabilities such as physical strength and stamina and fine motor skills are important for the hands-on nature of the work. Mechanical skills and a detail-oriented approach support accurate and safe completion of tasks. Customer service and leadership abilities can be valuable for working with clients and coordinating with teams. Mathematics and science knowledge help with measurements and understanding materials, while project management skills support organizing work from start to finish. Creativity and innovation can contribute to problem-solving and unique project needs. Together, this mix of practical, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills allows individuals with a high school education to build a strong, skills-focused career pathway as glaziers.
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