Occupation · SOC 49-3022
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers
Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.
Median wage
$47,260
$35,080–$67,480
Projected growth
+3.4%
Average growth
Annual openings
70
per year
Employed (US)
18,940
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
210 mapped
Core skills
InstallationSpeakingEquipment Selection
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceMechanicalEnglish Language
Technology & tools
Accounting softwareProject management softwareOperating system softwareData base user interface and query softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP software
Representative tasks
Prime all scratches on pinchwelds with primer and allow to dry.Remove all dirt, foreign matter, and loose glass from damaged areas, apply primer along windshield or window edges, and allow primer to dry.Allow all glass parts installed with urethane ample time to cure, taking temperature and humidity into account.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.Select appropriate tools, safety equipment, and parts, according to job requirements.Install replacement glass in vehicles.Obtain windshields or windows for specific automobile makes and models from stock and examine them for defects prior to installation.Check for and remove moisture or contamination in damaged areas and keep areas dry until repairs are complete.Replace all moldings, clips, windshield wipers, or other parts that were removed prior to glass replacement or repair.Remove broken or damaged glass windshields or window glass from motor vehicles, using hand tools to remove screws from frames holding glass.Remove moldings, clips, windshield wipers, screws, bolts, and inside A-pillar moldings and lower headliners in preparation for installation or repair work.Install, repair, or replace safety glass and related materials, such as back glass heating elements, on vehicles or equipment.Cool or warm glass in the event of temperature extremes.Replace or adjust motorized or manual window-raising mechanisms.Install new foam dams on pinchwelds, if required.Install rubber channeling strips around edges of glass or frames to weatherproof windows or to prevent rattling.Hold cut or uneven edges of glass against automated abrasive belts to shape or smooth edges.Cut flat safety glass according to specified patterns or perform precision pattern making and glass cutting to custom fit replacement windows.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Pinchweld scratches and primer application — identify and treat under direct technician supervision on a standard passenger vehicle.Damaged glass areas — remove loose glass, dirt, and foreign matter following step-by-step instructions at a shop service bay.Appropriate hand tools and safety equipment — select from a labeled inventory based on written job requirements with supervisor guidance.Moisture and contamination in damaged window areas — recognize and report to a lead technician before repair work begins.Replacement windshields and windows — retrieve from stock and perform a basic visual defect inspection under direction.Urethane curing requirements — follow posted time and temperature guidelines under supervision after glass installation.Personal protective equipment including gloves and eye protection — don and maintain correctly at all times in the service bay.Basic vehicle glass terminology and part names — use accurately when communicating with supervisors and team members.Customer service interactions — greet and relay vehicle information to customers using clear, polite language under guidance.Shop software and work-order systems — enter basic job data and retrieve vehicle-specific parts records with supervisor assistance.
developing
Primer application along windshield and window edges — complete independently and allow appropriate drying time on common domestic and import vehicle models.Urethane bead application around pinchweld perimeters — apply and dress to uniform level and thickness on routine replacement jobs with minimal oversight.Replacement glass installation — carry out the full removal and installation sequence on standard passenger vehicles following shop procedures.Curing time calculations — adjust independently for varying temperature and humidity conditions encountered at a mobile or fixed-location service site.Contamination and moisture checks — conduct systematically in damaged areas and maintain dry conditions throughout the repair process.Vehicle-specific windshields and windows — match to correct make and model from stock, inspect for defects, and document discrepancies in the work-order system.Equipment selection decisions — choose appropriate tools, adhesives, and safety gear for common job types without prompting from a supervisor.Customer communication — explain repair scope, estimated completion time, and post-installation care instructions clearly to vehicle owners.Shop scheduling and project management software — update job status, log parts used, and flag delays to maintain workflow accuracy.Multi-limb coordination during glass handling — position and seat windshields safely with a partner, adapting technique to vehicle body style variations.
proficient
Complex pinchweld preparation — assess damage severity, apply primer and urethane precisely, and achieve consistent adhesion quality across a full range of vehicle types without supervision.Non-routine urethane curing scenarios — determine adjusted cure windows for extreme weather or high-humidity field conditions and document rationale in job records.Full-scope glass replacement — execute removal, surface preparation, glass seating, and final inspection autonomously on sedans, trucks, SUVs, and specialty vehicles.Defect identification and supplier escalation — detect subtle glass flaws pre-installation and initiate parts replacement or vendor communication to prevent comebacks.Moisture intrusion diagnosis — troubleshoot recurring contamination sources in damaged areas and apply corrective sealing techniques beyond standard protocol.Tool and equipment evaluation — assess condition and calibration of suction cups, cold knives, and urethane guns, recommending repairs or replacements to management.Advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) recalibration awareness — recognize when post-installation camera or sensor recalibration is required and coordinate with appropriate technicians.Customer problem resolution — handle complaints about installation quality or leak callbacks independently, diagnosing root cause and performing corrective work.Work-order and inventory data management — maintain accurate ERP and database records for parts consumption, labor time, and job cost to support shop profitability analysis.Visualization and spatial reasoning — plan glass removal sequences on damaged or deformed frames to avoid secondary damage and ensure safe outcomes.
advanced
Shop-wide installation quality standards — develop, document, and enforce primer, urethane, and curing protocols that reduce rework rates across all technician levels.Technician training programs — design and deliver hands-on onboarding and skills-upgrade training for emerging and developing installers at a multi-bay facility.Equipment selection policy — evaluate and approve new tools, adhesive systems, and safety equipment for adoption across the shop, based on performance and cost analysis.Operational workflow design — restructure job sequencing, bay assignments, and parts procurement to maximize throughput and minimize vehicle turnaround time.ADAS and emerging vehicle technology strategy — lead the shop's adaptation to new glass and sensor integration requirements by establishing procedures and sourcing training resources.Customer service culture — model and coach a customer-first approach across the team, establishing service standards that build long-term client retention and referral business.Financial and ERP oversight — interpret job-cost reports, parts usage trends, and labor efficiency data to guide budgeting and vendor negotiation decisions.Safety compliance leadership — maintain current knowledge of OSHA and industry regulations and conduct regular audits to ensure shop-wide adherence to protective equipment and hazardous materials standards.Supplier and vendor relationships — negotiate pricing, lead times, and quality agreements with glass distributors and urethane manufacturers to ensure reliable parts availability.Performance management and career development — conduct skill assessments, set measurable goals, and create advancement pathways for technicians progressing through the competency levels.
Also known as
39 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Auto Glass Repair Specialist (Automotive Glass Repair Specialist)Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Journeyman (Air Force 2T351)Windshield InstallerAutomotive Glazier (Auto Glazier)Repair SpecialistMission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance, Helper, Material Handling Equipment (MHE)/463L Maintenance (Air Force 2T311C)Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Journeyman, Firefighting and Refueling Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance (Air Force 2T351A)Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Craftsman (Air Force 2T371)Automotive TechnicianAutomotive TinterMission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance, Journeyman, Material Handling Equipment (MHE)/463L Maintenance (Air Force 2T351C)Direct InstallerAutomotive Glass Specialist (Auto Glass Specialist)Window TinterGlass FitterTinterWindshield Repair TechnicianAutomotive Glass Installer (Auto Glass Installer)Automobile InstallerGlass TechnicianWindows Tech (Windows Technician)Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance, Apprentice, Material Handling Equipment (MHE)/463L Maintenance (Air Force 2T331C)Glass SetterAutomotive Glass Technician (Auto Glass Technician)Auto Services Glass Installer (Automotive Services Glass Installer)Window InstallerMission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Helper, Firefighting and Refueling Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance (Air Force 2T311A)Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Apprentice (Air Force 2T331)Glass Installer TechnicianWindshield TechnicianMission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Helper (Air Force 2T311)Auto TechnicianGlass InstallerMission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Apprentice, Firefighting and Refueling Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance (Air Force 2T331A)Vehicle Glass TechnicianAutomotive Glass Mechanic (Auto Glass Mechanic)Automotive Window TinterAutomotive Maintenance Technician (Marine Corps 3521)Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance (Air Force 2T3X1)