Glaziers
(NOC 7292)
in All Trades and TransportationGlaziers prepare, install and replace glass. They work for construction glass installation contractors, retail service and repair shops and glass fabrication shops, or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
Size of occupation in Nova Scotia: small, with infrequent job opportunities.
Demand: employment is expected to remain the same over the next few years. A small number of positions may become available due to retirements.
Work hours: full-time, usually.
Hourly Pay
$16.50
Minimum$24.21
Median$32.81
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$37,179
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$24.00
Median$37.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Glaziers prepare, install and replace glass. They work for construction glass installation contractors, retail service and repair shops and glass fabrication shops, or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Glaziers:
- Read and interpret blueprints and specifications to determine type and thickness of glass, frame, installation procedure and materials required.
- Measure and mark glass and cut-glass using glass cutters or computerized cutter.
- Tint glass and create patterns on glass by etching, sandblasting, or painting designs.
- Assemble, build, and dismantle scaffolds, rigging and hoisting equipment.
- Position glass panes into frames and secure glass using clips, points, or mouldings.
- Assemble and install prefabricated glass, mirrors or glass products on walls, ceilings, or exteriors of building.
- Build metal frames for glass installation.
- Install, fit, build, and attach architectural metals or related substitute products in commercial and residential buildings.
- Install pre-cut mirrors and opaque and transparent glass panels in frames to form exterior walls of buildings.
- Replace glass in furniture and other products.
- Prepare and install skylights, showcases and aquariums and stained or other special glass in churches, museums, sports, and other organizations.
- Repair and service residential windows, commercial aluminum doors and other glass supporting structures, and replace damaged glass or faulty sealant.
- May prepare cost estimates for customers or clients.
Sample job titles
- apprentice glazier
- glass and metal mechanic
- glass installer-glazier
- glass worker
- glazier
- glazier and metal mechanic
- structural glass installer
Skills
- good reading, writing, and verbal communication skills
- mathematical ability
- physical strength and stamina to work with heavy glass materials
- good eyesight to measure, cut and detect flaws in glass and other materials
- manual dexterity
- agility and coordination
- ability to read blueprints and drafting specifications
- ability to work alone and in a team
- analytical and troubleshooting skills
- comfort with heights
Job requirements
- High school or equivalent (usually).
- Training through a 7,200-hour apprenticeship program with four apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
- Trade Qualifier option, 10,800 hours and other criteria.
- Certification for glaziers is voluntary in Nova Scotia.
- Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for glaziers.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.
Other considerations
- Setting: some work outdoors on construction sites while others work indoors, in shops. When working on commercial projects, glaziers are expected to work from man-lift mobile equipment, scaffolds and swing stages, sometimes at great heights, to manoeuvre glass panels that are lifted by cranes and other lifting equipment.
- Risks: injuries from lifting heavy materials, repetitive actions, sharp edges and broken glass.
- Glaziers do a considerable amount of bending, kneeling, lifting, and standing during the installation process.
- Glaziers generally work a 40-hour week.
- Jobs in the construction industry are affected by seasonal changes and economic conditions. Work may be on a project basis. Workers should be prepared for periods of unemployment.
- Besides working with glass, glaziers also work with plastics, granite, and other similar materials used as glass substitutes, as well as films or laminates that improve the durability or safety of the glass.
- Most glaziers work on construction or renovation projects. Others may work in specialized fields, such as replacing windows and windshields in vehicles, or installing skylights and other special glassworks in churches, museums and other institutions.
- Experienced glaziers may act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. Glaziers may advance to supervisory positions such as foremen or contract managers or set up their own shops.
- Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$33,434 median annual incomeCape Breton
$41,004 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
N/ASouthern
N/ANorth Shore
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Manufacturing
Other services (except public administration)
Retail trade
Real estate and rental and leasing
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
15-24
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Less than high school
$38,279 median annual incomeHigh school
$38,918 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$31,029 median annual incomeBachelor
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Trade Qualifier
Trades ProgramThe Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency also offers a path to trades certification outside of a formal apprenticeship agreement with a qualified journeyperson. This option includes a set amount of required hours of related experience in the trade, passing a certification exam, and other criteria. Contact the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency for more details.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, but a certificate is not needed to legally work in this trade.