How to become a Glazier
Official title: Glaziers
Also called: Glazier, Building glazier, Apprentice glazier, Glazier apprentice, Curtain wall glazier, Leaded glass glazier, Exterior wall glazier, Stained glass glazier, Building glass glazier, Glass installer-glazier, Journeyman/woman glazier, Structural glass glazier
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. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
Completion of secondary 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 compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified glaziers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Red Seal trade. 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. Red Seal endorsement is available. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $58,812 a year The middle half earn $48,887 to $77,220.
- About 5,400 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 6,100 are projected by 2033. (+13%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a Glazier?
Completion of secondary 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 compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified glaziers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
How much does a Glazier earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $58,812 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $48,887 to $77,220.
Is a Glazier a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 13% by 2033, from about 5,400 to about 6,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a Glazier?
Usually not. Only 5% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Red Seal trade.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03