Across U.S. metros, glaziers typically earn $6,830 more a year than fence installers (14%). In the 36 metros where BLS publishes both, fence installers earn more in 5 and glaziers in 31.
| Fence Installer | Glazier | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $48,410 | $55,240 |
| Lowest metro median | $36,360 | $33,280 |
| Highest metro median | $64,600 | $107,610 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +5.6% | +1.9% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 2,500 | 3,900 |
| Self-employed | 21% | 1% |
| Typical education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Apprenticeship |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 118 | 121 |
| Metros with pay data | 51 | 161 |
On safety, glaziers report more injuries that cause missed work (121 vs. 118 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where fence installers out-earn glaziers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where glaziers out-earn fence installers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, fence installers earn more in 7 states and glaziers in 37. The gap favors fence installers most in Montana ($6,360) and glaziers most in Massachusetts ($52,380).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
Day-to-day conditions are broadly similar.
| Fence Installer | Glazier | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Often | Often |
| Working at heights | Often | Often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Very often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Occasionally |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Often |
| Sitting | Rarely | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Fence Installer
Erect and repair fences and fence gates, using hand and power tools.
Glazier
Install glass in windows, skylights, store fronts, and display cases, or on surfaces, such as building fronts, interior walls, ceilings, and tabletops.
Compare one trade across two cities →