Glaziers
Machines can already do 22% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 60%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Glaziers in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 22% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2033, and 60% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 58,480 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $57,080 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 77% for contact with people.
- Also called: Auto Glass Tech (Automobile Glass Technician), Commercial Glazier, Field Glazier, Glass Installer.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cut, fit, install, repair, or replace glass or glass substitutes, such as plastic or aluminum, in building interiors or exteriors or in furniture or other products | 20% | 20% to 60% | |
| Drive trucks to installation sites and unload mirrors, glass equipment, or tools | 8% | 20% to 60% | |
| Fabricate or install metal sashes or moldings for glass installation, using aluminum or steel framing | 6% | 20% to 60% | |
| Install pre-assembled metal or wood frameworks for windows or doors to be fitted with glass panels, using hand tools | 5% | 20% to 60% | |
| Measure mirrors and dimensions of areas to be covered to determine work procedures | 5% | 30% to 75% | |
| Cut, assemble, fit, or attach metal-framed glass enclosures for showers, bathtubs, display cases, skylights, solariums, or other structures | 5% | 20% to 60% | |
| Confer with customers to determine project requirements or to provide cost estimates | 5% | 40% to 68% | |
| Read and interpret blueprints or specifications to determine size, shape, color, type, or thickness of glass, location of framing, installation procedures, or staging or scaffolding materials required | 4% | 55% to 85% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills glaziers use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters50% of tasks by 2035 · US median $63,800
- Carpet Installers54% of tasks by 2035 · US median $50,340
- Carpenters56% of tasks by 2035 · US median $60,580
- Tile and Stone Setters59% of tasks by 2035 · US median $55,690
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Glaziers?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2033. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of glaziers?
Machines can do 22% of the tasks of glaziers today and 60% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 47-2121.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Glaziers: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/glaziers/