How much do glaziers make in Illinois in 2026?

The median glazier in Illinois earns $61,840 per year, which works out to about $29.73 an hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. That number sits in the middle of the pack — half of glaziers in the state earn more, half earn less. If you're just starting out or working in a slower market, the 25th percentile is $57,260 a year ($27.53/hr). If you're experienced, specialized, or landing the right commercial and curtain-wall work, the 75th percentile jumps to $98,280 a year — roughly $47.25 an hour. That's a spread of more than $40,000 between the bottom quarter and the top quarter, which tells you that where you work and what you work on matters a great deal in this trade.

Illinois is one of the more active states for glaziers in the Midwest. Chicago and its suburbs drive the bulk of the demand, with large commercial construction, high-rise curtain wall systems, storefronts, and glass curtain installations keeping crews busy across Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will counties. Glaziers working on downtown Chicago high-rises or major commercial developments are far more likely to land toward the upper end of the pay range than those doing residential replacement work in smaller downstate markets. If you're based in Springfield, Rockford, or Peoria, the volume of large commercial projects is lower, which generally means fewer hours on the biggest-paying jobs.

Experience is the clearest driver of pay progression in this trade. Entry-level glaziers — those still in the first few years after completing an apprenticeship — typically land near or below the $57,260 mark. Once you have four to six years under your belt, including time on structural glazing, point-fixed glass systems, or specialty fire-rated assemblies, pay climbs toward and through the median. Glaziers who can read curtain-wall shop drawings, work with aluminum framing systems, and coordinate with steel and concrete trades on large projects tend to command the wages seen at the 75th percentile.

The nature of the work adds some seasonality to hours. Exterior installation slows during hard Illinois winters — January and February in particular can thin out the hours on exposed facade work. Glaziers who diversify into interior work, shower enclosures, mirrors, and storefront glazing can keep hours more consistent year-round. Overtime is common during active construction seasons, typically spring through fall, and those extra hours can push annual take-home significantly above base salary figures.

Certification and licensing requirements for glaziers in Illinois are set at the local level rather than the state level, so requirements vary depending on the municipality or county where you work. Chicago has its own licensing framework. If you're working in multiple jurisdictions, it's worth confirming what each requires before you start a project. Some workers may be covered by a collective bargaining agreement — check with your local for current rates.

Pay can also be influenced by employer type. Glaziers working directly for large specialty subcontractors on commercial jobs typically earn more than those at small residential glass shops. If you're looking to push your earnings higher, targeting employers with active commercial and institutional pipelines — hospitals, airports, schools, office towers — gives you the best shot at consistent high-wage work and overtime.

All figures here come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2025. BLS data captures base wages and does not include employer-paid benefits, contributions to retirement plans, or the value of paid time off. Your all-in compensation package will be higher than the figures shown here if you receive health insurance, pension contributions, or other benefits on top of your hourly rate.