Glaziers
(NOC 7292)
in All Trades and TransportationGlaziers cut, fit, install and replace glass in residential, commercial and industrial buildings, on exterior walls of buildings and other structures and in furniture and other products. They are employed by construction glass installation contractors, retail service and repair shops and glass fabrication shops, or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
Read more
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Glaziers most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 73% of Glaziers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $37,235. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$37,179
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$20.35
Median$34.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Glaziers cut, fit, install and replace glass in residential, commercial and industrial buildings, on exterior walls of buildings and other structures and in furniture and other products. They are employed by construction glass installation contractors, retail service and repair shops and glass fabrication shops, or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Glaziers perform some or all of the following duties:
- 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, erect 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.
- Fabricate metal frames for glass installation.
- Install, fit, fabricate 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 establishments.
- 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
To work in this trade you should have physical stamina, agility, and coordination, and be capable of climbing, reaching, crouching, and handling heavy materials. While most of the work is done indoors, you must be willing to work outdoors and at heights. You must be able to perform basic mathematical calculations and read blueprints and drafting specifications.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- Completion of a three- or four-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in glazing is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Trade certification for glaziers is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified glaziers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Other considerations
Jobs in the construction industry are strongly affected by seasonal changes and general economic conditions, and many are on a project basis. As a result, workers in these jobs should be prepared for periods of unemployment. The physical demands of this work may make it difficult for people to stay in these jobs for a long time. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
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
Cape Breton
Southern
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Other Services
Manufactured Mineral Products
Retail Trade
Other Industries
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
55-64
45-54
15-24
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
Top levels of education
Less than high school
$19,777 median annual incomeHigh school
$30,238 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$32,651 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
N/ACollege certificate or diploma
$28,148 median annual incomeCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trades certificate
$40,890 median annual incomeHigh school
$28,089 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$39,023 median annual incomeLess than high school
$25,753 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,972 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Glazier
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to install and repair fixtures, sheets, windows, and skylights made of glass, plexiglass, and other transparent materials. These programs include courses in site measurement, job analysis and estimation, material cutting and trimming, window and door installation, site safety, equipment operation and maintenance, specification interpretation, and applicable codes and standards.
Institutions providing this program
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This job is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, however, a certificate is not needed to legally work in this job.