Do you consider fancy church windows to be the highest form of art known to humankind? Do you have masterful math skills? Do you still find shiny things fascinating? Of course you do, shiny things are awesome.

Perhaps then, you should consider a career as a Glazier. They work with all kinds of shiny sheets every day.

 

That is one small church. (Source)

Typically, glaziers are construction workers who specialize in glass fabrication—shower doors, mirrors, windows, and pretty much anything made of glass. Some even do automotive glass installation and safety coatings, or go a more artistic route by creating stained glass windows or etched panels. Glaziers must know how to handle all types of glass and fabricate metal or wood framework to install it. 

This sort of knowledge comes from three to four years of on-the-job training. Good communication skills are also required. You don't want to be working as a glazier and hear, "No. we said take the glass—NOT break the glass."

For a career as a glazier, you need raw strength combined with an artistic flair. You also need some math skills, understand how to read blueprints, and have the ability to use heavy machinery. On average, glaziers make in the mid-$40,000 (source) range, and enjoy a higher than average expected job growth over the next few years.

Most glaziers begin working construction, become interested in working with glass, and earn an apprenticeship with an established master glazier to learn the craft. While there are some related technical college programs, most glaziers learn on the job. Becoming a master craftsman requires lots of hands-on learning to guide natural talent into skilled work. Some states require a license, but many don't.

The variety of work available is incredibly diverse: Some glaziers handle putting new glass in existing windows for remodeling projects, while others do contracting work for residential or commercial construction, installing, and sealing windows, shower doors, skylights and mirrors.

 

You'll be great at installing windows. (Source)

For commercial work, glaziers may also install large glass doors and specialty glass inside such as banisters and decorative artsy glass. Outside, they use cranes with large suction cups to pick up huge glass panels and install them on the exterior of mirrored or glass buildings.

A typical day for a glazier may include providing a cost estimate to a customer, bidding on an upcoming job, some on-site work measuring, or fabricating frames to hold glass in place.

Glazier work is physically demanding and somewhat dangerous. After all there are heavy pieces of glass involved. That means lots of opportunity for work-related injuries. But, if you're skilled and careful, there's no reason to think you'd crack under the pressure.

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