How to become an automotive glass installers and repairer
Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
What automotive glass installers and repairers do
- Select appropriate tools, safety equipment, and parts, according to job requirements.
- 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.
- Check for and remove moisture or contamination in damaged areas and keep areas dry until repairs are complete.
- 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.
- Obtain windshields or windows for specific automobile makes and models from stock and examine them for defects prior to installation.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Learning Strategies
Is automotive glass installers and repairer a good career?
On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 7% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Connecticut $63,880
- North Carolina $60,710
- Washington $60,630
- Massachusetts $58,490
- Oregon $57,270
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.