Glazier salaries in the UK for 2026/27 range from around GBP 17,000 for an apprentice to GBP 60,000 or more for an established self-employed glazing firm owner. Pay depends significantly on whether you work employed, subcontract under the Construction Industry Scheme, or run your own glazing business. This guide explains exactly how much glaziers take home at each career stage in 2026/27.
Figures assume 2026/27 income tax and National Insurance rates and the standard personal allowance of GBP 12,570. Employed figures use Class 1 NI; self-employed figures use Class 4 NI on net profit after expenses. No pension contribution or student loan deduction is assumed.
| Career Level | Typical Gross / Year | Est. Take-Home / Year | Est. Take-Home / Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | ~GBP 17,000 | ~GBP 15,760 | ~GBP 1,313 |
| Qualified Employed | ~GBP 29,000 | ~GBP 24,400 | ~GBP 2,033 |
| Senior / Site Supervisor | ~GBP 38,000 | ~GBP 30,880 | ~GBP 2,573 |
| Self-Employed Contractor (Class 4 NI) | ~GBP 45,000 profit | ~GBP 36,568 | ~GBP 3,047 |
| Self-Employed Glazing Firm Owner | ~GBP 60,000 profit | ~GBP 46,111 | ~GBP 3,843 |
Self-employed figures are net profit after deducting glass, materials, and vehicle costs, before income tax and Class 4 NI. CIS deductions at source are reconciled against the final tax bill via Self Assessment. Seek professional advice.
Employed glaziers pay income tax and National Insurance through PAYE on their gross salary. The 2026/27 rates are:
Taxable income above personal allowance: GBP 25,430. Income tax: 20% on the full GBP 25,430 = GBP 5,086. Employee NI: 8% on GBP 25,430 = GBP 2,034. Net take-home: GBP 38,000 - GBP 5,086 - GBP 2,034 = approximately GBP 30,880 per year or GBP 2,573 per month.
Glazing apprenticeships typically run 2-3 years, covering glass cutting, window and door fitting, and installation of double and triple-glazed units. A CSCS card is usually required to work on most UK construction sites once qualified.
Qualified glaziers employed by window and glazing installation companies typically earn GBP 26,000-32,000, with higher pay for those experienced in commercial or structural glazing.
Senior glaziers who supervise fitting teams on larger commercial and curtain wall glazing projects, or specialise in architectural glass installations, earn GBP 34,000-42,000 as an employee.
Many glaziers work self-employed, either as CIS subcontractors or taking on direct residential and commercial contracts. Established self-employed contractors earn GBP 38,000-48,000 in net profit, while those who build their own glazing firm with a small team can reach GBP 50,000-70,000 or more.
Self-employed glaziers subcontracting on construction sites typically operate under the Construction Industry Scheme, with 20% (registered) or 30% (unregistered) deducted from payments at source. These deductions are reconciled against the final income tax and Class 4 NI bill through Self Assessment. Glass, sealants, fixings, tools, van costs, and insurance are all deductible business expenses that reduce taxable profit. Glazing firm owners approaching GBP 50,000+ in profit often consider incorporating as a limited company to benefit from lower dividend tax rates on profits above a modest director salary.
Use the CalcHub self-employed take-home pay calculator to model your exact net income after deducting your specific business expenses and any CIS deductions already withheld.
