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
Moderate-term on-the-job training
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.
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Automotive glass installers and repairers work in a niche technical trade focused on vehicle glass. Nationally, this occupation has a median annual salary of $47,260 and total employment of about 20,000. Projected employment growth of 3.6% and around 1,000 annual openings suggest a steady stream of opportunities for new and experienced workers. The role blends mechanical ability, physical strength and stamina, fine motor skills, and customer service, making it a good fit for people who like hands-on, detail-oriented work that also involves interacting with customers. Success in this career draws on adaptability, interpersonal skills, and comfort with computers and information technology, alongside a basic grounding in science. Typical entry requires a high school diploma or equivalent, which can make this path accessible for students and career changers who want to develop a skilled trade. For those comparing options, related paths include postal service mail carriers, helpers–production workers, light truck drivers, and several types of casters and molders.
Automotive glass installers and repairers earn a national median annual salary of $47,260. Pay can vary by location. Among the highlighted states, Washington shows the highest median salary at $60,630, followed by Massachusetts at $58,490 and New York at $50,240. California and Colorado are closer to the national level, at $47,710 and $48,610 respectively. At the metro level, Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue, WA stands out with a median salary of $62,490, while San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA and San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA offer $56,360 and $55,360. These figures indicate that certain metros in California and Washington offer higher earning potential than the national median. Other highlighted metros, such as Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV and Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim, CA, provide median salaries of $50,140 and $46,200, giving job seekers a range of pay levels to consider when planning where to work.
This occupation has national employment of about 20,000 automotive glass installers and repairers, with projected growth of 3.6%. In addition, there are about 1,000 annual openings. Taken together, these figures point to ongoing demand from both new positions and turnover or replacement needs. The consistent 3.6% growth rate shown nationally is also reflected in the listed states and metro areas, suggesting a similar growth outlook across the highlighted regions. For students and job seekers, this means that while the occupation is relatively specialized, it offers continued opportunities to enter and advance in the field over time. Career changers may find the combination of defined employment numbers, a clear growth projection, and regular openings helpful when evaluating the stability and accessibility of this trade. Those who value a skilled, hands-on career with measurable national demand may see this as a solid option.
Location plays a meaningful role in opportunities for automotive glass installers and repairers. Among states, California ranks highest by CareerGPS opportunity score at 67.38, with a median salary of $47,710 and employment of 2,200. Massachusetts and New York follow closely with opportunity scores of 65.87 and 65.78, and higher median salaries of $58,490 and $50,240, though with smaller employment counts of 140 and 660. Washington and Colorado also appear strong, combining solid employment levels with opportunity scores above 56 and median salaries near or above the national median. At the metro level, San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA leads with an opportunity score of 77.42 and a median salary of $55,360, despite relatively modest employment of 90. San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA and Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue, WA pair higher salaries with strong opportunity scores as well. Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim, CA and Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV offer larger employment bases with competitive scores and pay.
The typical education requirement for automotive glass installers and repairers is a high school diploma or equivalent, making this career accessible to individuals who want to enter a technical trade without a higher degree. Beyond formal education, success in this role is strongly linked to a specific mix of skills. Mechanical aptitude, physical strength and stamina, and fine motor skills support the hands-on, precise nature of the work. Customer service, interpersonal skills, and being detail oriented are critical for working with customers and ensuring quality results. The inclusion of science and adaptability highlights the importance of understanding basic technical principles and adjusting to different tasks or conditions. Comfort with computers and information technology, along with creativity and innovation, can further enhance performance and problem solving on the job. Together, these skills provide a roadmap for students, career changers, and current workers who want to prepare for or advance in this occupation.
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