Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers fall under the Installation, Maintenance, and Repair category in the U.S. occupational classification. Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers earn a median salary of $47,260 per year, ranking in the top 71% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +3.6% job growth through 2034, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do automotive glass installers and repairers earn?

The median annual wage for automotive glass installers and repairers is $47,260. That puts automotive glass installers and repairers at #571 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is automotive glass installers and repairers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for automotive glass installers and repairers is +3.6%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 20K positions in 2024 to 21K in 2034, a net change of 1K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What do automotive glass installers and repairers do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working automotive glass installers and repairers, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Prime all scratches on pinchwelds with primer and allow to dry.
2. 2.Install replacement glass in vehicles.
3. 3.Obtain windshields or windows for specific automobile makes and models from stock and examine them for defects prior to installation.
4. 4.Check for and remove moisture or contamination in damaged areas and keep areas dry until repairs are complete.
5. 5.Remove broken or damaged glass windshields or window glass from motor vehicles, using hand tools to remove screws from frames holding glass.
6. 6.Install new foam dams on pinchwelds, if required.
7. 7.Apply a bead of urethane around the perimeter of each pinchweld and dress the remaining urethane on the pinchwelds so that it is of uniform level and thickness.
8. 8.Install, repair, or replace safety glass and related materials, such as back glass heating elements, on vehicles or equipment.

Top skills for automotive glass installers and repairers

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become automotive glass installers and repairer?

Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
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• Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
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• Signal and Track Switch Repairers
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• Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
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• Avionics Technicians
  $81,390 median
• Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
  $78,680 median

Common questions parents ask about automotive glass installers and repairers