Career comparison
Construction Laborer vs. Glazier
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Glaziers earn more at the median ($57,080 vs. $47,120), while construction laborers usually get to work faster (Days to weeks (on the job) of training). Construction laborers prepare sites, move materials, pour concrete and support every trade on the job. Glaziers install glass windows, storefronts and curtain walls on buildings.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Construction Laborer | Glazier | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $47,120 ($22.66/hr) | $57,080 ($27.44/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,090 – $78,090 | $37,300 – $89,790 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +7.3% (much faster than average) | +1.9% (slower than average) |
| Openings per year | 120,000 | 3,900 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | Days to weeks (on the job) | 3–4 year apprenticeship |
| Key credential | OSHA 10-Hour Construction | Glazier apprenticeship |
| Work setting | Laborers work outdoors in all kinds of weather on construction sites, roadways and demolition projects. | Glaziers work on commercial sites, homes and shops, often at heights.. |
What each job does
Construction Laborer
- Prepare and clean job sites, removing debris and hazards
- Load, unload and move building materials
- Dig, backfill and compact trenches and foundations
- Mix, pour and spread concrete and asphalt
- Erect and dismantle scaffolding, barricades and forms
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 construction laborer if…
- I like physical work and staying active all day
- I don’t mind getting dirty or working in bad weather
- I want to start working right away
Choose glazier if…
- I like precise work
- I don’t mind heights
- I like big buildings
Still torn? Take the Construction Laborer fit quiz and the Glazier fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, construction laborer or glazier?
Glaziers earn more at the median: $57,080 versus $47,120 for construction laborers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Construction Laborers typically train faster (Days to weeks (on the job)) than glaziers (3–4 year apprenticeship).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects construction laborers to grow +7.3% from 2025–35, compared with +1.9% for glaziers.