Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Auto Glass Technician
What auto glass technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an auto glass technician?
Load the mobile van. From there, the day usually includes repair windshield chips, remove damaged glass, and install windshields and windows. Full time, sometimes Saturdays.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an auto glass technician working full time.
- Load the mobile van.
- Replace a windshield at a home.
- Repair a chip at an office lot.
- Replace a side window.
- Calibrate a camera.
- Replace a back glass.
- Restock supplies.
Where auto glass technicians work
Technicians work in shops and in mobile vans at customer locations.
Hours and schedule
Full time, sometimes Saturdays.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Repair windshield chips
- Remove damaged glass
- Install windshields and windows
- Apply adhesives
- Calibrate ADAS cameras
- Clean up glass
- Explain safe drive-away times
Tools you’ll use every day
- Cold knives
- Wire cut-out tools
- Urethane guns
- Suction cups
- Calibration targets
- Scan tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Faster-than-average growth
- No degree needed
- Mobile independence
- Quick visible results
What’s hard
- Outdoor work in weather
- Cuts from glass
- Lifting heavy windshields
- Production pace
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like hands-on work
- I’m careful and precise
- I like working on my own
- I don’t mind weather
- I want short training
- I like quick results
Not sure? Take the free Auto Glass Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear cut-resistant gloves
- Wear eye protection
- Lift glass with two people or tools
- Follow drive-away times