Across U.S. metros, glaziers typically earn $4,745 more a year than tile setters (9%). In the 98 metros where BLS publishes both, glaziers earn more in 68 and tile setters in 30.
| Glazier | Tile Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $55,240 | $50,495 |
| Lowest metro median | $33,280 | $34,970 |
| Highest metro median | $107,610 | $88,730 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +1.9% | +9.8% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 3,900 | 3,300 |
| Self-employed | 1% | 21% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | No formal educational credential |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 121 | 138 |
| Metros with pay data | 161 | 120 |
On safety, tile setters report more injuries that cause missed work (138 vs. 121 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 glaziers out-earn tile setters the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where tile setters out-earn glaziers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
What each trade does
Glazier
Install glass in windows, skylights, store fronts, and display cases, or on surfaces, such as building fronts, interior walls, ceilings, and tabletops.
Tile Setter
Apply hard tile, stone, and comparable materials to walls, floors, ceilings, countertops, and roof decks.
Compare one trade across two cities →