what is a glazier?

A glazier is a skilled craftsman who works with glass and plastic substitutes for buildings. Glaziers work at height, climb ladders and scaffolding and handle delicate materials. The position requires a good sense of balance, physical strength, mechanical aptitude and solid maths skills.

 As a glazier, you cut glass according to the dimensions of windows or doors and install them. You secure glass and plastic substitutes into windows, doors, shopfronts and skylights. After installing, you use mouldings and sashes and secure them using fasteners. 

Glaziers work on all types of buildings, from residential to commercial skyscrapers, depending on the area. At entry level, you start with small projects to build up experience in the field. Higher-level glaziers interpret architectural and construction blueprints and can visualise construction installations.

Almost all construction sites require glaziers, as most building designs include windows and other glass components. Glazier job openings are likely to grow over the next decade, so you'll have plenty of opportunities if you are willing to learn and work hard. There is always some growth in the construction industry.

Would working as a glazier suit your hand-eye coordination and physical stamina? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a glazier role.

glazier jobs
1

average glazier salary

According to National Careers, the mean salary of an apprentice glazier is £14,000 per year. Once you are qualified and more experienced, your earnings are likely to increase to £27,000 annually. Glaziers can also earn more by improving their skills. That's why senior glaziers earn between £35,000 and £50,000 annually.

what factors affect the salary of a glazier?

The compensation package of a glazier depends on the complexity of the job. For instance, large projects attract higher earnings due to the complexity of glass installation on skyscrapers or skylights. Small projects like residential houses have lower salaries due to the minimal risks, lower budgets and limited resources. Sometimes, the hours you work also influence your remuneration. If you work full-time, you attract higher compensation than glaziers working part-time.

Your location also influences your earnings. For instance, if you work in large cities or towns, you are likely to earn more due to the size and complexity of projects. Cities have skyscrapers and large buildings that require glass installation. You are likely to install glass in shops and other commercial buildings.

Three colleagues having a laugh during a lunch break while sitting on a pile of wood.
Three colleagues having a laugh during a lunch break while sitting on a pile of wood.
2

types of glaziers

Glaziers are classified based on their level of expertise. The types of glaziers include:

  • apprentice glaziers: as an apprentice glazier, you work under supervision while you learn the ropes. The glazier could give you roles like cutting or measuring glass based on the dimensions provided, but you will not perform complex roles.
  • journeyman glaziers: when you complete your apprenticeship training, you become a journeyman glazier. You install and repair glass on various items. You don't perform complex roles like fitting glass and glass products on windows, doors and ceilings.
  • master glaziers: as a master glazier, you supervise the work of junior glaziers and assign duties based on their skill levels. You also work on complex installation projects.
3

working as a glazier

As a glazier, your duties and responsibilities include fabricating and installing glass components in buildings. As with most professions, you gain experience by working in challenging jobs. Here are the duties to expect in the role:

4

education and skills

Some of the routes to becoming a glazier include:

  • apprenticeship: you should pursue an apprenticeship to become a glazier. For instance, you can complete an intermediate apprenticeship in fenestration installation. The apprenticeship programme requires GCSEs, and it involves on-the-job training and coursework.
  • work experience: when you complete an apprenticeship programme, you become a journeyman and work under supervision. You gain experience by assisting the glazier in their work. When you have adequate experience, you can apply for entry-level glazier jobs.

glazier skills and competencies

Some of the skills of a glazier include:

  • stamina and balance: your role is physically demanding and requires a high level of stamina. You should be comfortable with standing for long hours or moving heavy pieces of glass or metal frames. Since you work on ladders and scaffolds, having good balance reduces falls and injuries.
  • hand-eye coordination: as a glazier, you require manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to minimise injuries and accidents. Hand-eye coordination is useful when you are cutting glass and metal framework.
  • critical thinking skills: as a glazier, you require critical thinking and problem-solving skills to solve issues that arise during the installation process. You also rely on creativity to lay out the glass material, so the job is successful on an aesthetic level.
  • dependability: as a glazier, you should be dependable to respond to emergencies. Sometimes, you are required to replace glass urgently for security reasons.
glazier
glazier
5

FAQs

Here are the most asked questions about working as glaziers.

thank you for subscribing to your personalised job alerts.