Window fitters install windows, doors, conservatories, and glazed curtain walls in buildings and structures. They may work on new-build properties, upgrade old fittings, or help restore heritage buildings.

Average salary*

£15000 – £25000+

Typical hours per week

43-45

How to become a window fitter

There are several routes of becoming a window fitter. You could complete a college course, an apprenticeship, or gain on-the-job training. 

You should explore these routes of becoming a window fitter to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions. 

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider 

You could complete a college course in carpentry or joinery to help you gain useful skills to become a window fitter. Your local college or training provider may offer a Level 2 Diploma in Bench Joinery or Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery.  

Once you’ve gained the qualification, you could apply for a job as a window fitter’s mate or assistant and gain more knowledge on the job. 

You will need: 

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) (level 2 course) 
  • 4 – 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) (level 3 course). 

> Equivalent entry requirements explained 

> Find a course near you 

> Funding advice 

Apprenticeship 

You could complete an intermediate apprenticeship in glazing or fenestration installation to become a window fitter. These may be offered by construction or specialist fenestration companies. 

You’ll generally need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent. 

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider. 

Work 

There are no formal requirements needed to become a window fitter, so if you have GCSEs in English and maths or previous experience of carpentry and joinery, you could apply directly to an employer for a job as  a fitter’s ‘mate’ or assistant.  

Your employer may support you to gain skills on the job, to help you become a window fitter. 

Work experience 

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a window fitter. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV. 

Skills  

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a window fitter include:  

  • Understanding of building and construction 
  • Good maths and logical thinking skills 
  • Excellent attention to detail 
  • Ability to work well under pressure 
  • Good at working with your hands. 

What does a window fitter do?

As a window fitter, you’ll be responsible for installing windows and doors in homes and businesses, ensuring fittings are fit for purpose and weathertight. 

The job role of  a window fitter involves the following duties:  

  • Using hand and power tools to remove old windows, doors and conservatories 
  • Measuring up a space for new windows or doors 
  • Fixing single or double-glazed windows and doors in place 
  • Building conservatories and glasshouses 
  • Sealing fittings to make them weathertight and improve buildings’ energy efficiency 
  • Working with UPVC, metal or  wooden fittings 
  • Clearing away leftover materials after a job. 

How much could you earn as a window fitter?

The expected salary for a window fitter varies as you become more experienced. 

  • Newly trained window fitters can earn in the region of £15,000 
  • Experienced window fitters can earn up to £25,000*+
  • Self-employed window fitters set their own pay rates. 

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do. 

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Find an apprenticeship/job

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships in England

Apprenticeships in Scotland

Apprenticeships in Wales

Jobs

Check out the latest window fitter vacancies:  

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role will vary. New jobs will be posted as they come up. 

Career path and progression

As a window fitter, you could progress to work on larger, more high profile projects, or move into a role as a project manager or estimator. 

You could either work for a construction or glazing company, or set yourself up as self-employed.