What This Guide Covers
Ever wonder who installs those massive glass walls in downtown office buildings or replaces your storefront window? That’s glaziers the skilled tradespeople who measure, cut, and install glass in everything from homes to high-rises. If you’re considering this career path in Washington, you’re looking at a solid trade with good pay, strong unions, and steady work thanks to all the construction happening around the state.
Let me walk you through exactly how to break into this field, what the training looks like, and what you can realistically expect to earn.
Learn more about the 25 most In Demand Trades in Washington
What Glaziers Actually Do Day-to-Day
Glaziers do a lot more than just “install windows.” They’re working with glass, mirrors, and aluminum framing systems on both the inside and outside of buildings. You need to be precise with measurements, stay laser-focused on safety, and be strong enough to handle heavy materials.
You’ll find glaziers working on:
- Commercial buildings and office towers
- Hospitals and schools
- New housing developments
- Glass fabrication shops
The job involves power tools, scaffolding, and specialized equipment for lifting those massive glass panels safely into place. It’s hands-on work that’s equal parts technical skill and physical labor.
Your Roadmap: How to Actually Become a Glazier in Washington
Start with Your High School Diploma or GED
This one’s pretty straightforward. You’ll want a solid foundation in math, blueprint reading, and ideally some exposure to shop class or construction tech. These basics will set you up for success in an apprenticeship program.
Find and Apply to a Registered Apprenticeship
Here’s where your career really begins. Most Washington glaziers come up through formal apprenticeship programs that last 3 to 4 years. You’re getting paid while you learn, which is a huge plus, and you’ll be training alongside experienced glaziers who’ve been doing this for years.
Check out these programs:
- Construction Industry Training Council of Washington (CITC)
- Finishing Trades Institute of the Northwest – Glazier Apprenticeship
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Apprenticeship Database
Put in the Hours (Literally)
Apprenticeships aren’t easy, but they’re worth it. You’re looking at roughly 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus about 144 hours of classroom instruction each year. In class, you’ll cover everything from glass cutting techniques and safety protocols to reading blueprints and installing metal framing.
It’s a real commitment, but you’re earning money the whole time and building marketable skills.
Earn Your Journey-Level Status
Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship hours and passed the required evaluations, you’ll become a journey-level glazier. This is your ticket to working independently and even supervising the next generation of apprentices.
Keep Learning
The best glaziers don’t stop after getting their journey card. Many continue their education in specialized areas like architectural metals, energy-efficient glazing systems, or advanced safety certifications like OSHA 30. The construction industry evolves, and staying current keeps you competitive.
Let’s Talk Money: What Glaziers Actually Earn in Washington
This is probably what you really want to know, right? The numbers are pretty encouraging.
According to 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, glaziers in Washington earn a median annual wage of $67,250. That’s way higher than the national median of $51,330—a difference of nearly $16,000 a year.
If you’re working in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area, it’s even better at around $71,480 annually.
| Region | Median Annual Wage | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Washington State | $67,250 | BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (2024) |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Area | $71,480 | WA Employment Security Department (2024) |
| National Average | $51,330 | BLS (2024) |
Job Growth Outlook: The BLS projects 3 percent growth nationally from 2022 to 2032, but Washington is expected to see faster-than-average growth. Why? Major commercial retrofits and new construction projects keep popping up across the state.
Where to Get Your Training in Washington
| School / Program | Type | Location | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Industry Training Council of Washington (CITC) | Apprenticeship Program | Bellevue / Statewide | Visit CITC Glazier Program |
| Finishing Trades Institute of the Northwest | Union Apprenticeship | Seattle | Learn More at FTINW |
| Washington State Apprenticeship & Training Council | State Registry | Olympia / Online | View Approved Programs |
Where Can This Career Take You?
Once you’ve got some experience under your belt, there are plenty of ways to move up. Some glaziers transition into supervisory roles, estimating, or project management. Others shift into related specialties like architectural metalwork, curtain wall installation, or construction inspection.
If you’ve got strong leadership skills and can read blueprints like a pro, you’ll be in high demand for major projects around Seattle and Tacoma.
The Real Talk: Pros and Cons
The Good Stuff
- Job security with union backing – You’re protected and supported
- Excellent earning potential – Especially for skilled workers who keep learning
- Visible results – There’s real satisfaction in seeing the buildings you’ve worked on
The Challenges
- It’s physically demanding – You’re often working outdoors, sometimes at significant heights
- Seasonal ups and downs – Work can slow during certain times of the year
- Safety is non-negotiable – You need to follow strict protocols every single day
Common Questions People Ask
How long does it actually take to become a glazier in Washington?
Plan on 3 to 4 years for most apprenticeship programs.
Do I need a license to work as a glazier in Washington?
Individual glaziers don’t need a state license, but the companies and contractors you work for need proper business and contractor registrations through L&I.
Is this actually a good career in Washington?
Honestly? Yes. The pay is well above average for construction trades, and with all the commercial development and green-building projects happening statewide, demand stays strong. If you’re willing to put in the work during your apprenticeship, it’s a career that can really pay off.
Ready to get started? Look into those apprenticeship programs and see what feels like the right fit. This is a career where you can genuinely build something both literally and for your future.
Author:
About the Author:
Lester Burkes is the Dean of Automotive & Trades at Clover Park Technical College and the founder of LearnSkilledTrades.com. With over 20 years of experience leading workforce and apprenticeship programs, he’s passionate about helping students and working adults find purpose and opportunity in the skilled trades.