Careers

Windows & Doors

Window and door installation and replacement

$55k/yr median+3% growth (10-yr)5,100 openings/yrFast entry (<1 yr)CSI 08

Wages & Job Outlook

$55k

Median wage

per year

$38k

Entry wage

per year

$99k

Top 10%

per year

Annual openings

jobs per year

+3% projected job growth over 10 years — about as fast as 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 →

Job & Training Resources

Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder

A free U.S. Department of Labor tool for finding registered apprenticeship partners — sponsors, educators, and intermediaries.

Apprenticeship Illinois

Illinois's state apprenticeship initiative, hosted on the Illinois workNet portal, connecting career seekers to registered apprenticeship pathways statewide.

CareerStarter by NCCER

NCCER's free platform that helps job seekers explore construction crafts, build a profile, and connect directly with employers and training programs.

Browse all job & training resources →

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

State	Required?	License type	Issuing body
AZ	Yes	CR-65 Glazing (also C-65 commercial / R-65 residential)	Arizona ROC
CA	Yes	C-17 Glazing Contractor	CSLB
FL	Yes	Certified Glass & Glazing Specialty Contractor	Florida DBPR / CILB
GA	No	–	–
IL	No	–	–
MI	Yes	Residential Builder / Maintenance & Alteration Contractor License	Michigan LARA (Bureau of Construction Codes)
NC	No	–	–
NJ	Yes	Home Improvement Contractor Registration (NJHIC)	NJ Division of Consumer Affairs
NY	No	–	–
OH	No	–	–
PA	Yes	Home Improvement Contractor Registration (HICPA)	PA Office of Attorney General
TN	Yes	Contractor License (BC - Building) with Window, Glass & Door Construction classification	Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC)
TX	No	–	–
VA	Yes	Contractor License (Class A/B/C) with GLZ Glass & Glazing specialty	Virginia DPOR / Board for Contractors
WA	Yes	Construction Contractor Registration (Specialty — Glass/Glazing)	Washington State L&I

Time to Enter

Time to journeyman2 yrs

Fast-entry trade — earning wages in <1 year possible

Wages (BLS 2024)

Entry (10th pct)$38k

Median$55k

Top 10%$99k

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

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

Own a windows & doors business?

Verified · 3 sources

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

First Page Sage

PE / strategic buyer

8.8×–9×

× EBITDA

Peak Business Valuation

Appraisal / small business

2×–3.5×

× SDE

The two lenses differ on purpose: PE / strategic buyers pay a multiple of EBITDA (management-run, platform-scale), while an appraisal / small-business value is a multiple of SDE (owner-operated). Most trades land between the two.

Full valuation breakdown →Explore exit paths →