Glazier vs Painter: Salary, Training & Career Comparison
Trying to decide between a career as a glazier or a painter? Here's a side-by-side look at the numbers that matter most: pay, job outlook, training requirements, and more.
| Category | 🪟 Glazier | 🖌️ Painter |
|---|---|---|
| Median Hourly | $24/hr | $21.50/hr |
| Median Annual | $49,900/yr | $44,700/yr |
| Job Growth (10-yr) | 3.0% | -1.0% |
| Total Jobs | 54,100 | 300,200 |
| Training Time | 4 years | 4 years |
| Top-Paying State | Hawaii ($68,100/yr) | Hawaii ($61,400/yr) |
| Union Rate | $30/hr (IUPAT) | $26.50/hr (IUPAT) |
Salary Comparison
Glaziers earn about $7,500/yr more on average
Which Career Is Right for You?
Both glaziers and painters are solid career paths with good earning potential and strong job security. The best choice depends on your interests, physical abilities, and lifestyle preferences.
🪟 Choose Glazier if...
Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, storefronts, and curtain walls on commercial and residential buildings. The work requires precision and comfort with heights, and the pay reflects that.
Glazier salary data →🖌️ Choose Painter if...
Painters apply paint, stain, and coatings to buildings, walls, and other surfaces. While entry barriers are low, experienced painters with specialization in commercial or industrial coatings earn competitive wages.
Painter salary data →Training difference: Both require 4-year apprenticeships
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Glaziers earn a national median of $49,900/yr compared to $44,700/yr for painters. That's a difference of about $5,200/yr.
Glazier jobs are projected to grow at 3.0% over the next decade, compared to -1.0% for painters.
Both require 4-year apprenticeships. Both paths require dedication and hands-on training, but the length and structure differ.
While some skills transfer between trades, switching typically requires additional training and licensing. That said, the foundational skills -- problem solving, working with tools, reading blueprints -- are valuable in any trade. Some workers complete training in multiple trades over their career.