TradeAtlas
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Windows & Doors

Window and door installation and replacement

$59k/yr median+4% growth (10-yr)74,100 openings/yrFast entry (<1 yr)

Wages & Job Outlook

$59k
Median wage
per year
$39k
Entry wage
per year
$98k
Top 10%
per year
74K
Annual openings
jobs per year
+4% projected job growth over 10 years — about average.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024) and Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024–34 projections.

Work-Life & Stability

Schedule
Full-time, project-based
Environment
mixed
Overtime
seasonal
Physical demand
high
Travel
Travel typically required
Hazard level
Moderate hazard
Moderately cyclical

Overview

Window and door installers measure, fit, and install windows, exterior doors, and sliding glass doors in new construction and replacement projects. Work often involves coordination with weatherization and finish carpentry.

Day in the Life

Morning: delivery of window order for multi-unit job. Crew removes existing windows, installs new frames with proper flashing and seal. Afternoon: door installation with new hardware. Final adjustment, caulking, trim work. Photo documentation and homeowner walkthrough.

How to Get Started

On-the-Job Training

on-the-job

Most installers learn through working for window/door dealers or general contractors

Duration: 1–2 yearsCost: Low / minimal tuition

Trade School / Vocational Program

trade-school

Construction trades programs cover relevant carpentry and weatherization skills

Duration: 6–12 monthsCost: Moderate tuition

Certification-First

certification-first

Manufacturer certifications (Andersen, Pella, Marvin) and NARI certifications validate expertise

Duration: days to weeksCost: Low / minimal tuition
Find local windows & doors training near you
Programs, apprenticeship openings, and American Job Centers
Find training →

How to Pay for Your Training

Multiple funding programs can offset or eliminate the cost of training. Here are the most commonly applicable ones.

WIOA Individual Training Account (ITA)
Federally funded training voucher for eligible adults and dislocated workers. ITAs pay for approved programs at WIOA-eligible providers (ETPs). Amounts set by local Workforce Development Boards — typically $3,000–$12,000 per year depending on workforce area. Apply at your nearest American Job Center (CareerOneStop).
Up to $12,000
Apply →
Federal Pell Grant
Need-based federal grant up to $7,395/year for eligible students at accredited colleges and trade schools. Does not need to be repaid. Eligible programs include accredited community colleges, for-profit trade schools (UTI, Lincoln, etc.), and union training centers that are accredited institutions.
Up to $7,395
Apply →
Workforce Pell Grant (SAVES Act)
Starting July 1, 2026, Pell Grant eligibility expands to high-quality short-term workforce programs (8–15 weeks) at eligible institutions. For the first time, trade training programs under 600 hours are Pell-eligible — including many HVAC, electrical, and welding certificates. Students earn the same need-based amount as longer programs.
Up to $7,395
Apply →
GI Bill (Post-9/11, Chapter 33) — Apprenticeship
Post-9/11 GI Bill covers On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Registered Apprenticeship programs. Veterans receive a monthly housing allowance (MHA, based on E-5 w/dependents BAH at program location) that scales up as they advance through the apprenticeship. Covers full 3–5 year apprenticeship programs.
Up to $3,200
Apply →
See all programs you may qualify for →

Career Ladder

Window/Door Helper

$32k/yr
0–1 yrs exp.

Carries materials, assists with removal and staging

Window/Door Installer

$42k/yr
1–3 yrs exp.

Handles standard replacements under supervision

Lead Installer

$54k/yr
3–8 yrs exp.

Works independently, handles complex jobs and callbacks

Senior Installer/Estimator

$68k/yr
8+ yrs exp.

Handles commercial projects and complex custom installs

Window & Door Contractor

$85k/yr
5+ yrs exp.

Owns window and door installation and sales company

Licensing by State

StateRequired?License typeIssuing body
CAYesC-17 Glazing ContractorCSLB
TXNo––
FLYesCertified Glass & Glazing Specialty ContractorFlorida DBPR / CILB
NYNo––
ILNo––
PAYesHome Improvement Contractor Registration (HICPA)PA Office of Attorney General
OHNo––
GANo–Georgia Secretary of State (State Licensing Board for Residential & General Contractors)
NCNo–NCLBGC
MIYesResidential Builder / Maintenance & Alteration Contractor LicenseMichigan LARA (Bureau of Construction Codes)
WAYesConstruction Contractor Registration (Specialty — Glass/Glazing)Washington State L&I
AZYesCR-65 Glazing (also C-65 commercial / R-65 residential)Arizona ROC
VAYesContractor License (Class A/B/C) with GLZ Glass & Glazing specialtyVirginia DPOR / Board for Contractors
NJYesHome Improvement Contractor Registration (NJHIC)NJ Division of Consumer Affairs
TNYesContractor License (BC - Building) with Window, Glass & Door Construction classificationTennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC)

Time to Enter

Time to journeyman2 yrs
Fast-entry trade — earning wages in <1 year possible

Wages (BLS 2024)

Entry (10th pct)$39k
Median$59k
Top 10%$98k

BLS OEWS May 2024. Wages vary by state and employer.

Compare all trades side-by-side →Find training funding →

Own a windows & doors business?

Provisional · 1 source

What it's worth today — the starting point for weighing any exit.

Peak Business Valuation
Appraisal / small business
2×–3.5×
× SDE

Provisional — a single citable source so far; treat as directional until we add a second.

Full valuation breakdown →Explore exit paths →

Ways out for windows & doors owners

Compare all →
Sell to Private EquityMaximizing price · Commonly 4–9 months from first conversation to close.Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)Reward employees · Commonly 6–12 months to establish; ownership transfers over many years.Family SuccessionKeep it in the family · Best run over 3–10 years; rushed handoffs are where regret concentrates.

Industry Associations

  • NARI
  • WDMA
  • FGIA

Physical Requirements

  • Lifting large window and door units (50–150 lbs)
  • Working on ladders
  • Precision measuring and cutting
  • Outdoor work in all weather

Recommended Software

Jobberper-userCompanyCamper-userQuickBooks for ContractorssubscriptionHousecall Prosubscription
All Windows & Doors software →
Compare top tools →

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