Window Fitter Jobs in the UK

Window fitters install windows, doors, conservatories, and glazed curtain walling in residential and commercial buildings across the UK. With 431 live vacancies on SiteJobs as of October 2026, window fitting is one of the most in-demand fenestration trades in the country. Whether you are fitting uPVC double glazing in suburban housing, aluminium curtain walling on a commercial new build, or timber sash windows in a period restoration, this guide covers everything you need to know about working as a window fitter in the UK. Search sitejobs-code15 on Google to find SiteJobs and browse live window fitter vacancies near you.

What Does a Window Fitter Do?

Window fitters, also called window installers or fenestration installers, remove old windows and doors and fit new ones. The role involves working with uPVC, aluminium, timber, and composite frames. According to Go Construct, the official construction careers portal, window fitters are responsible for:

• 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 energy efficiency
• Working with uPVC, metal or wooden fittings
• Clearing away leftover materials after a job

Window fitters work on new-build housing developments, replacement window contracts for existing homes, commercial fit-outs, and heritage restoration projects. Many fitters work in small teams of two or three, travelling between jobs in a company van. On larger commercial projects, window fitters may work alongside curtain walling installers, cladding specialists, and sealant applicators.

Window Fitter Pay Rates UK 2026

Current pay rates from live SiteJobs listings and industry data:

• Newly trained window fitter: £24,000-£32,000/annum
• Experienced window fitter: £32,000-£45,000/annum
• Lead fitter / team supervisor: £45,000-£56,000/annum
• Hourly rate (PAYE): £16-£24/hour
• Self-employed CIS day rate: £140-£220/day
• London weighting: Add £2-£4/hour to regional rates
• Overtime: Typically time-and-a-half after standard hours

According to salary data from HighestPayingJobs.co.uk, the average permanent salary for a window fitter in 2026 is approximately £37,650, up 2% from 2025. Pay varies significantly by region, with London and the South East paying the highest rates. Fitters who hold FENSA registration, an NVQ Level 3, or curtain walling experience command the highest day rates.

What Qualifications and Cards Do You Need?

To work as a window fitter in the UK, the following qualifications and cards are relevant:

1. CSCS Card - mandatory for site access on virtually all UK construction projects. Window fitters typically hold a Blue CSCS Skilled Worker card, which requires an NVQ Level 2 and a passed CITB Health, Safety and Environment test. The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is the industry standard, with over two million cards in circulation. Apply at cscsonline.uk.com.
2. NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Fenestration Installation - the standard qualification for window, door and conservatory installers. Awarded by GQA Qualifications, an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation for the glass and fenestration trades. The qualification number is 500/7825/2. Since 2017, GQA also issues the CSCS card for fenestration trades, so the certificate and the card come from the same body. The NVQ is assessed on site through portfolio evidence - photographs, video, and professional discussion - with no college attendance and no exam.
3. NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Fenestration Installation - for experienced installers who lead jobs, solve technical problems, and fit complex work including curtain walling. The Level 3 supports a Gold CSCS Advanced Craft card.
4. Level 2 Fenestration Installer Apprenticeship - the apprenticeship route combines on-the-job experience with college study, leading to an NVQ Level 2. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over 16 and typically last 18-24 months. Find apprenticeships through apprenticeships.gov.uk or CITB apprenticeships.
5. CITB HS&E Test - all CSCS card applicants must pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test. Book the test through citb.co.uk. See our guides on booking the Operatives test, booking the Specialist test, and booking the MAP test.

FENSA and Competent Person Schemes

Window installation in existing dwellings is regulated under the Building Regulations 2010, made under the Building Act 1984. Replacement windows and doors must comply with several Approved Documents:

• Approved Document F (Ventilation): Replacement windows must incorporate background ventilators (typically trickle vents) to maintain air quality and prevent condensation.
• Approved Document L (Conservation of fuel and power): Replacement windows must meet the current U-value target of 1.4 W/m2K or better for the whole window, including the frame.
• Approved Document K (Protection from falling, impact and collision): Glazing within 800mm of the floor must be safety glass. Glazing in doors and within 300mm of doors must also be safety glass.
• Approved Document N (Glazing safety): Safety glass in critical locations must meet BS EN 12150 (toughened) or BS EN 14449 (laminated) standards and be permanently marked.
• Approved Document B (Fire safety): Windows in fire-resisting walls or within 1 metre of a boundary may require fire-resisting glazing.

The simplest way to comply with these regulations is to use a Competent Person Scheme (CPS) registered installer. The two main schemes for windows are:

• FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme): The largest scheme, covering approximately 8 in 10 replacement window installations in the UK. FENSA-registered installers can self-certify that their work complies with the relevant Parts of the Building Regulations. A FENSA certificate is issued to the homeowner, which serves as a Building Regulations Completion Certificate for the installation.
• CERTASS (Certification of Competent Persons for the Fenestration Industry): A smaller but established alternative to FENSA, offering the same self-certification capability.

If an installer is not registered with FENSA or CERTASS, the homeowner must apply to the local authority Building Control for a Building Notice or Full Plans application, and the work will be inspected by a Building Control officer. This adds cost and time. For this reason, most professional window fitters register with FENSA or CERTASS.

According to the UK government guidance on Competent Person Schemes, CPS-registered installers must meet strict technical competence standards and are subject to periodic assessment by their scheme provider. FENSA regularly inspects registered installers to verify compliance.

Health and Safety for Window Fitters

Window fitting involves several specific health and safety risks. The key legislation and guidance are:

• Work at Height Regulations 2005: Window fitters frequently work at height, particularly on upper floors and when installing curtain walling. The regulations require that work at height is properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent persons. Full text at legislation.gov.uk. See our guide on working at height for more details.
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER): Requires that hand and power tools are suitable, maintained, and used only by trained persons. Full text at legislation.gov.uk.
• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015): Applies to all construction work, including window installation on construction sites. Principal contractors must ensure that workers are competent and that risks are managed. Full text at legislation.gov.uk.
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH): Applies to sealants, adhesives, and cleaning agents used in window installation. Employers must assess risks and provide appropriate PPE. Full text at legislation.gov.uk.
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992: Window units and frames are heavy and awkward to carry. Employers must assess manual handling risks and provide mechanical aids where possible. Full text at legislation.gov.uk.

Key hazards for window fitters include:

• Falls from height: The most serious risk. Use scaffolding, tower scaffolds, or MEWPs for upper-floor installations. Never work from an unsecured ladder while carrying a window unit.
• Glass cuts and lacerations: Broken glass is a constant hazard. Wear cut-resistant gloves and use proper glass carrying tools. Dispose of broken glass in designated containers.
• Manual handling injuries: Large double-glazed units can weigh 25-40kg or more. Use two-person lifts, glass suction lifters, and trolleys where available.
• Dust and debris: Removing old frames generates dust. Wear FFP3 respiratory protection and eye protection when cutting out old frames.

How to Become a Window Fitter

There are several routes into window fitting in the UK:

1. Apprenticeship: Complete a Level 2 Fenestration Installer apprenticeship, combining on-the-job experience with college study over 18-24 months. Available through CITB and specialist fenestration training providers.
2. On-the-job training: Many window fitters start as a fitter's mate, learning alongside experienced installers. Once competent, complete the NVQ Level 2 through on-site assessment (OSAT) to get your Blue CSCS card - no college attendance required.
3. Experienced worker route: If you have years of experience but no formal qualification, complete the NVQ Level 2 through portfolio assessment. Training providers like Acadame offer the GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Fenestration Installation at approximately £850 + VAT, assessed from evidence on jobs you already fit.

Before booking any training, check which CSCS card you need using the CSCS Card Finder tool.

Where Are the Most Window Fitter Jobs?

The highest concentrations of window fitter vacancies on SiteJobs are in:

• London and the South East - high demand from residential refurbishment, commercial new build, and social housing maintenance contracts. London rates are consistently the highest in the country.
• The Midlands (Birmingham, Nottingham, Derby) - significant social housing maintenance programmes and new-build housing developments.
• Manchester and the North West - large social housing providers with ongoing window replacement programmes.
• Yorkshire and the Humber (Leeds, Sheffield) - mixed residential and commercial demand.
• Scotland (Glasgow, Edinburgh) - growing demand for energy-efficient window upgrades, supported by Scottish government retrofit funding.

The UK government's commitment to retrofitting existing housing stock for energy efficiency is driving sustained demand for window fitters. The Future Homes Standard, which tightens energy efficiency requirements for new build homes, is also creating demand for installers who can fit high-specification triple-glazed and thermally broken window systems.

Window Fitter Career Progression

Window fitters can progress into several related roles:

• Lead fitter / team supervisor: Running a fitting team of 2-4 installers - £45,000-£56,000/annum
• Curtain walling installer: Specialist commercial glazing, NVQ Level 3 - £200-£280/day
• Fenestration surveyor: Measuring up jobs and specifying products before installation - £35,000-£50,000/annum
• Installation manager: Managing multiple fitting teams and contracts - £45,000-£65,000/annum
• Window company owner: Running your own FENSA-registered installation business - earnings unlimited
• Fenestration assessor: Assessing NVQ candidates on site - £30,000-£45,000/annum

How to Apply for Window Fitter Jobs

Search sitejobs-code15 on Google to find SiteJobs. Browse all window fitter vacancies, filter by location and rate, and call the employer direct. No CV uploads, no registration walls, no agency fees. Every listing shows the rate, location, duration, and a verified phone number. You call, you start.

If you are newly trained, look for fitter's mate or assistant roles to build experience. Adding FENSA registration and curtain walling skills significantly increases your earning potential. Fitters who can install both residential windows and commercial curtain walling are among the most versatile and highest-paid in the fenestration sector.

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Browse All Window Fitter Jobs

See all 431 window fitter vacancies on SiteJobs. Call direct, no registration walls. Search sitejobs-code15 on Google.