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Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

Under the title Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers, workers replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles. O*NET rates it as some preparation, which usually means a few months to a year of learning on the job. It leans on installation, speaking, and equipment selection. One core duty is to select appropriate tools, safety equipment, and parts, according to job requirements. With a code of RCI, this is mostly a job for people drawn to hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world. Conventional interests also help, rated 3.7 out of 7. It tends to suit people who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, and it offers little for anyone seeking creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.

Main tasks

  • Select appropriate tools, safety equipment, and parts, according to job requirements.
  • Prime all scratches on pinchwelds with primer and allow to dry.
  • Remove all dirt, foreign matter, and loose glass from damaged areas, apply primer along windshield or window edges, and allow primer to dry.
  • Check for and remove moisture or contamination in damaged areas and keep areas dry until repairs are complete.
  • Apply a bead of urethane around the perimeter of each pinchweld and dress the remaining urethane on the pinchwelds so that it is of uniform level and thickness.
  • Obtain windshields or windows for specific automobile makes and models from stock and examine them for defects prior to installation.

Skills

  • Installation
  • Speaking
  • Equipment Selection
  • Time Management
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Service Orientation

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on installation and speaking.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Auto Glass Installer (Automotive Glass Installer)
  • Auto Glass Tech (Automotive Glass Technician)
  • Auto Glazier (Automotive Glazier)
  • Flat Glass Installer
  • Glass Installer

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.