U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration https://www.onetonline.org 13m 3,266 #insights
The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
Install glass in windows, skylights, store fronts, and display cases, or on surfaces, such as building fronts, interior walls, ceilings, and tabletops.
Sample of reported job titles:
Automobile Glass Technician, Commercial Glazier, Glass Installer, Glass Technician, Glazer, Glazier
Tasks
Fabricate or install metal sashes or moldings for glass installation, using aluminum or steel framing.
Determine plumb of walls or ceilings, using plumb lines and levels.
Fasten glass panes into wood sashes or frames with clips, points, or moldings, adding weather seals or putty around pane edges to seal joints.
Prepare glass for cutting by resting it on rack edges or against cutting tables and brushing thin layer of oil along cutting lines or dipping cutting tools in oil.
Cut, fit, install, repair, or replace glass or glass substitutes, such as plastic or aluminum, in building interiors or exteriors or in furniture or other products.
Grind or polish glass, smoothing edges when necessary.
Measure and mark outlines or patterns on glass to indicate cutting lines.
Set glass doors into frames and bolt metal hinges, handles, locks, or other hardware to attach doors to frames and walls.
Install pre-assembled metal or wood frameworks for windows or doors to be fitted with glass panels, using hand tools.
Read and interpret blueprints or specifications to determine size, shape, color, type, or thickness of glass, location of framing, installation procedures, or staging or scaffolding materials required.
Drive trucks to installation sites and unload mirrors, glass equipment, or tools.
Measure mirrors and dimensions of areas to be covered to determine work procedures.
Move furniture to clear work sites and cover floors or furnishings with drop cloths.
Cut, assemble, fit, or attach metal-framed glass enclosures for showers, bathtubs, display cases, skylights, solariums, or other structures.
Load and arrange glass or mirrors onto delivery trucks, using suction cups or cranes to lift glass.
Pack spaces between moldings and glass with glazing compounds and trim excess material with glazing knives.
Cut and remove broken glass prior to installing replacement glass.
Score glass with cutters’ wheels, breaking off excess glass by hand or with notched tools.
Secure mirrors in position, using mastic cement, putty, bolts, or screws.
Assemble, erect, or dismantle scaffolds, rigging, or hoisting equipment.
Cut and attach mounting strips, metal or wood moldings, rubber gaskets, or metal clips to surfaces in preparation for mirror installation.
Confer with customers to determine project requirements or to provide cost estimates.
Select the type or color of glass or mirror according to specifications.
Operate cranes or hoists with suction cups to lift large, heavy pieces of glass.
Create patterns on glass by etching, sandblasting, or painting designs.
Assemble and cement sections of stained glass together.
Measure, cut, fit, and press anti-glare adhesive film to glass or spray glass with tinting solution to prevent light glare.
Technology Skills
- Computer aided design CAD software
— D-CALC FACADE 4000 Data base user interface and query software — Work order software
- Operating system software — Microsoft Windows
Project management software — American Glazing Software AGS WindowPricer; BidMaster
- Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
Hot Technologies are requirements frequently included in employer job postings.
Work Activities
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Detailed Work Activities
Communicate with clients about products, procedures, and policies.
Install metal structural components.
Fabricate parts or components.
Verify alignment of structures or equipment.
Install doors or windows.
Apply material to fill gaps in surfaces.
Select construction materials.
Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
Install wooden structural components.
Mark reference points on construction materials.
Smooth surfaces with abrasive materials or tools.
Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
Load or unload materials used in construction or extraction.
Drive trucks or truck-mounted equipment.
Install building fixtures.
Protect structures or surfaces near work areas to avoid damage.
Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
Trim excess material from installations.
Remove worn, damaged or outdated materials from work areas.
Assemble temporary equipment or structures.
Dismantle equipment or temporary structures.
Cut metal components for installation.
Cut wood components for installation.
Apply decorative or textured finishes or coverings.
Apply adhesives to construction materials.
Cut carpet, vinyl or other flexible materials.
Work Context
Face-to-Face Discussions — 92% responded “Every day.”
Telephone — 90% responded “Every day.”
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — 79% responded “Every day.”
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 78% responded “Every day.”
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 58% responded “Extremely important.”
Contact With Others — 58% responded “Constant contact with others.”
Work With Work Group or Team — 59% responded “Extremely important.”
Spend Time Standing — 54% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 54% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Freedom to Make Decisions — 69% responded “Some freedom.”
Frequency of Decision Making — 61% responded “Every day.”
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — 58% responded “Every day.”
Time Pressure — 39% responded “Every day.”
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 46% responded “High responsibility.”
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 49% responded “Every day.”
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 57% responded “Important results.”
Structured versus Unstructured Work — 35% responded “A lot of freedom.”
Coordinate or Lead Others — 63% responded “Very important.”
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — 39% responded “Every day.”
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — 47% responded “Every day.”
Exposed to High Places — 59% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Exposed to Contaminants — 16% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — 17% responded “Never.”
Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 61% responded “High responsibility.”
Outdoors, Under Cover — 56% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Consequence of Error — 31% responded “Extremely serious.”
Physical Proximity — 61% responded “Moderately close (at arm’s length).”
Deal With External Customers — 39% responded “Extremely important.”
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — 33% responded “Every day.”
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting — 30% responded “Every day.”
Level of Competition — 48% responded “Highly competitive.”
Frequency of Conflict Situations — 32% responded “Every day.”
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — 26% responded “More than half the time.”
Spend Time Walking and Running — 55% responded “About half the time.”
Duration of Typical Work Week — 67% responded “40 hours.”
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — 25% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Job Zone
- Title
- Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
- Related Experience
- Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
- Job Zone Examples
- These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
- SVP Range
- 3 months to 1 year of preparation (4.0 to < 6.0)
Training & Credentials
- State training
- Local training
- Certifications
- State licenses
- Apprenticeships
- Have a career path or location in mind? Visit Apprenticeship.gov
external site to find apprenticeship opportunities near you.
Skills
Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Knowledge
Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
- responded:
Less than high school diploma required - responded:
Post-secondary certificate required
Abilities
Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without “giving out” or fatiguing.
Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Interests
Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Work Styles
Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Independence — Job requires developing one’s own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
Wages & Employment Trends
- Median wages (2021)
- $22.68 hourly, $47,180 annual
- State wages
- Local wages
- Employment (2020)
- 53,600 employees
- Projected growth (2020-2030)
Slower than average (1% to 5%)- Projected job openings (2020-2030)
- 6,000
- State trends
- Top industries (2020)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021 wage data
external site and 2020-2030 employment projections
external site.
“Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2020-2030). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Job Openings on the Web
- State job openings
- Local job openings
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer:
Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries.
Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
Actively assisted with the O*NET data collection, helping to identify occupational experts who can be surveyed about their work in the occupation.
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