Career comparison
Carpenter vs. Glazier
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Carpenters earn more at the median ($60,580 vs. $57,080), while carpenters usually get to work faster (3–4 years (apprenticeship) of training). Carpenters build and repair frameworks, structures and finish work from wood and other materials. Glaziers install glass windows, storefronts and curtain walls on buildings.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Carpenter | Glazier | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $60,580 ($29.12/hr) | $57,080 ($27.44/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $40,410 – $99,910 | $37,300 – $89,790 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.9% (about as fast as average) | +1.9% (slower than average) |
| Openings per year | 62,800 | 3,900 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 3–4 years (apprenticeship) | 3–4 year apprenticeship |
| Key credential | Journeyman carpenter (apprenticeship completion) | Glazier apprenticeship |
| Work setting | Carpenters work on construction sites outdoors and indoors in all weather. | Glaziers work on commercial sites, homes and shops, often at heights.. |
What each job does
Carpenter
- Read blueprints and building plans
- Measure, cut and shape wood, plastic and other materials
- Frame walls, floors, roofs and stairs
- Install doors, windows, cabinets, trim and molding
- Build and remove concrete forms and scaffolding
Glazier
- Read plans
- Measure openings
- Cut glass
- Install frames
- Set glass
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, working outdoors, and teamwork. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose carpenter if…
- I enjoy building things and seeing the results
- I’m good with measurements and spatial thinking
- I don’t mind working outdoors in different weather
Choose glazier if…
- I like precise work
- I don’t mind heights
- I like big buildings
Still torn? Take the Carpenter fit quiz and the Glazier fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, carpenter or glazier?
Carpenters earn more at the median: $60,580 versus $57,080 for glaziers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Carpenters typically train faster (3–4 years (apprenticeship)) than glaziers (3–4 year apprenticeship).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects carpenters to grow +3.9% from 2025–35, compared with +1.9% for glaziers.