Glaziers

(NOC 7292)

in All Trades and Transportation

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 Outlook

Average

Read more

  • Estimate change in employment not available for this occupation.
  • Estimate 0 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for this occupation.

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

  • Estimate 4040 employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 8425 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

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

Maximum

Annual Pay

N/A

Minimum

$37,179

Median

N/A

Maximum

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Hourly Pay

$15.00

Minimum

$24.00

Median

$37.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$7,580

Minimum

$37,269

Median

$79,787

Maximum

About 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

170

employed in 2016

90.9%

employed full-time

18.2%

self employed

6.1%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
93.9%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
39.6

median age

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

57,925

employed in 2016

85.9%

employed full-time

11.8%

self employed

5.3%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
94.7%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
46.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

41.7%

Halifax

$33,434 median annual income
25.0%

Cape Breton

$41,004 median annual income
11.1%

Annapolis Valley

N/A
11.1%

Southern

N/A
11.1%

North Shore

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

51.9%

Construction

14.8%

Manufacturing

14.8%

Other services (except public administration)

11.1%

Retail trade

7.4%

Real estate and rental and leasing

What is the age of Employment?

32.0%

45-54

24.0%

25-34

15.0%

55-64

15.0%

35-44

15.0%

15-24

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

24.4%

45-54

22.1%

55-64

17.7%

35-44

17.7%

25-34

10.9%

15-24

Top levels of education

32.4%

Less than high school

$38,279 median annual income
29.4%

High school

$38,918 median annual income
20.6%

Trade Certification

$31,029 median annual income
11.8%

Bachelor

N/A

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

29.2%

Trade Certification

$46,494 median annual income
25.5%

High school

$31,260 median annual income
22.3%

College Diploma

$42,050 median annual income
18.7%

Less than high school

$28,319 median annual income
2.8%

Bachelor

$30,527 median annual income

Education & training

High School Diploma or Equivalent

High School Program

Adults 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

Universite Sainte-Anne

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Adult High Schools

Various, NS

Community Learning Organizations

Various, NS

Trade Qualifier

Trades Program

The 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

Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency

Halifax, NS

Employment requirements & contacts

Regulations

Glazier

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.

Regulating body:
Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Halifax, NS

Contacts

Construction Association of Nova Scotia
Dartmouth, NS
BuildForce Canada
Ottawa, ON
Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council
Halifax, NS

Additional resources