Job Duties 

Glaziers may:  

Read and interpret blueprints and specifications to determine size, shape, color, type and thickness of glass, location of framing, installation procedures and staging and scaffolding materials

Cut glass to the proper size or obtain precut glass

Set the glass in the frame

Fasten glass panes into the wood sash or frames with clips, points, or moldings

Put mirrors in position, using mastic cement, putty, bolts or screws

Secure the glass with wire clips

Apply a layer of glaze compound to keep the cut moisture proof

Bolt metal hinges, locks, and other hardware to prefabricated glass doors

Press plastic adhesive film or spray glass with tinting solution to prevent light glare

Grind and polish, and smooth glass when necessary

Determine plumb of walls or ceilings, using plumb-line and levels

Measure and mark outlines or patterns on glass to indicate cutting lines

Click here to view a brief video of Glaziers at work.

The tools and equipment used may include:

Materials used might include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Glaziers may specialize in these areas:

865.381-010 GLAZIERS cut, fit, and install plate glass, ordinary window glass, and other glass items in structures being built, remodeled, or repaired.

865.684-018 METAL FURNITURE GLAZIERS install glass in doors and other openings in metal furniture using hand and power tools.

865.361-010 MIRROR INSTALLERS attach custom mirrors to walls, ceilings, and doors in homes, offices, and businesses. They load and arrange mirrors on a truck according to the order in which the mirrors are to be installed, taking care to protect each mirror section from nicks, scratches, and breakage. They drive to customer locations and install the mirrors using mounting strips or brackets, putty or adhesives, or screws. Installers may accept payment from the customer when the work is completed.

Some Glaziers install glass in only one type of product, such as in showers. Other Glaziers install only one type of glass, such as precut or plate glass, or spend all their time in a shop and specialize in one activity such as beveling or silvering glass for mirrors; cutting, grinding, and polishing glass; or setting glass in ready-made doors or window frames.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Glaziers may work alone using blueprints, written or oral instructions, or standard designs. They may also work with other workers, particularly when handling large panes of glass. Glaziers may have slow periods in the winter. However, repair jobs and work in plants that manufacture glass products may provide employment opportunities throughout the year.

Glaziers may be required to stand or reach for long periods of time when installing glass. They are subject to strains from lifting heavy glass, falls from scaffolds and ladders, and cuts from glass edges and sharp tools. These hazards may be avoided by following safety measures.

Glaziers usually work a 40-hour, 5-day week. Overtime frequently occurs in construction work. Glaziers must furnish their own set of hand tools which cost from $400 to $750.

Glaziers employed in the construction industry are members of The International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades . Others may belong to The Glassworkers Union. Union members must pay dues. In the Detroit area, dues for Construction Glaziers who belonged to The Glassworkers Union were approximately $120.00 a month.

You Should Prefer:

·         Working with your hands

·         Using tools and standard methods to make or repair things

·         Seeing the physical results of your work

You Should Be Able To:

·         Perform a variety of duties which may change often

·         Evaluate information using measurable standards

·         Work easily and skillfully with your hands

·         Drive trucks hauling large panes of glass

·         See detail in objects or drawings

·         Recognize slight differences in shapes or shadings

·         Understand how flat drawings/pictures would look as solid objects

·         Work within precise limits of accuracy

·         Follow safety measures

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

What size of glass would you need to cut to fit inside a 24"x36" frame?  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

The blower takes the blower's pipe with the molten mass of glass adhering to it, raises it up and blows into the pipe with the result that the glass expands and becomes pear shaped. It is reheated until it becomes softer and is suspended through the swing-hole.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare an estimate for a glass repair job for a potential customer.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate organizational skills and be detail oriented in following work specifications and cutting and repairing glass.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following educational and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

035 CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING TECH.

Construction and Building Technology programs provide opportunities to gain the needed knowledge and skills for employment in the many different types of construction and building jobs. Individuals who teach Construction and Building Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate .

Courses within this program will vary but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

 ***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Most people enter occupations within this Career Exploration Script through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON JOB

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

Glass Handling Methods  

Preparation of Working Drawings & Sketches

Structure & Theory of Storefront Construction

Stresses, Strains & the Effect of Light & Heat on Glazing Material

Reasons for Use of Specified Types of Glass in Different Parts of Buildings

Click here for additional Apprenticeships opportunities!

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

  E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Postsecondary programs in construction and building technology may provide co-op, internship, or other related work opportunities. Summer employment as a helper to a nonunion Glazier or in a shop may also offer experience. An apprenticeship program provides on-the-job experience also.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Glazier employer

internships

volunteer work with a Glazier employer

community service work with an agency

Glaziers may enter their occupation by apprenticeship training or by applying to a nonunion contractor or a shop that employs Glaziers. Jobs may be located by inquiring at a local union office, local offices of the Michigan Works! or a high school or a community college placement office. Newspaper want ads may list job openings. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

             You should also submit an online resume to the service.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

Earnings of Glaziers depend on the worker's skill and experience, size and type of employer, extent of unionization, and geographic area.

Nationally, basic hourly union wage rates for residential construction Glaziers in early 2009 averaged about $23.23 per hour, those in industrial and commercial construction averaged $36.92 hourly (including fringe benefits). The median hourly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $18.05 in 2008. 

Hourly union wage rates, including fringe benefits, for commercial construction Glaziers in several areas of Michigan were (early 2009):

Apprentice Glaziers start at a rate of pay which is about 60% to 70% of the journey worker rate and receive periodic increases during training.

Glaziers may receive 1-1/2 or 2 times their hourly rate for overtime.

In 2007 graduates of high school vocational education programs in Michigan who were working in jobs related to this occupation earned a beginning average of $10.37 per hour in 2008.

Depending on the employer, fringe benefits usually include hospitalization and life insurance, vacation and holiday pay, and pension plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by employers. In some cases, unionized employees and their employers may contribute jointly to a union fund used to pay for certain benefits.

Advancement is usually limited to supervisory work. Some Glaziers may establish their own contracting or repair business. A career ladder may be: trainee/apprentice; Glazier; Glazier supervisor; own business.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally in 2006, the employment of Glaziers numbered about 55,000. Employment of Glaziers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. About 5.3% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Glaziers looked like this:

            To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

The continuing trend toward using more glass in the outside walls of buildings has resulted in improved opportunities for Glaziers. The number of openings may change from year to year, however, because employment in this occupation is sensitive to changes in construction activity. Employment opportunities should be best in metropolitan areas, where most glazing contractors and retailers are located.

There are approximately 1,350 Construction Glaziers employed in Michigan. Some Glaziers are also employed in the manufacturing sector. Most work in urban areas. Most work for glazing contractors, manufacturers, and retail businesses that sell glass or glass products. Others were self-employed or worked for government agencies or businesses that did their own construction and maintenance work.

The employment of Glaziers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. An average of 30 openings per year is expected, with 10 of them due to growth and 20 of them due to replacement of Glaziers who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will become available as Glaziers transfer to other jobs or occupations. In late 2008, there were 89 apprentices in training for this occupation and 12 completed the apprentice program during the prior 12 months.

Glaziers will continue to be needed to install glass in new residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and to repair, replace, and modernize windows in existing buildings. However, because construction activity is very sensitive to ups and downs in the economy, the demand for Glaziers may change from year to year.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2016

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth