Why Window and Door Installation Fits Piece Rate
Windows and doors are counted in units. You install 12 windows and 3 doors in a house — that's 15 units. Every window follows essentially the same process: set it in the opening, shim, level, fasten, seal, and insulate. An experienced installer who has set thousands of windows works two to three times faster than someone still learning how to get a perfect shim and seal every time.
I'm Tyson Faulkner. I come from the roofing trade, and window and door crews are often right behind us on new construction schedules — we finish the roof, and they start setting windows and doors the same week. The piece rate model is widespread in this trade because the work is unit-based and speed differences between installers are significant.
This guide covers real rate ranges for new construction windows, replacement windows, and door installation, plus the factors that affect pricing and how to set up a rate card that works.
New Construction Window Rates
New construction windows install into framed openings before the house is wrapped and sided. It's faster than replacement work because you're working with clean, accessible openings.
Rate Ranges for New Construction Windows
Standard vinyl or aluminum windows:
- Single-hung or double-hung, standard size (up to 36"x60"): $18 to $30 per window
- Large windows (over 36"x60"): $25 to $45 per window
- Picture windows (fixed, large format): $25 to $50 per window
- Casement windows: $22 to $38 per window
Wood or fiberglass windows:
- Standard sizes: $25 to $45 per window
- Large or custom sizes: $35 to $60 per window
Specialty windows:
- Bay or bow window: $75 to $150 per unit
- Skylight: $50 to $100 per unit
- Egress window (including well, if applicable): $60 to $120 per unit
These rates include setting, shimming, leveling, fastening, and basic sealing (foam or caulk around the frame). Flashing and exterior trim are usually done by the siding crew and priced separately.
New Construction Production Expectations
A two-person window crew on new construction should set 15 to 30 standard windows per day. On a tract home with 15 windows and 2 sliding glass doors, a fast crew can complete the house in one day.
At $25 per window and 20 windows per day:
- Total crew earnings: $500/day
- Per installer: $250/day
- At 9-hour days: $28/hour effective rate
On homes with 25-30 windows, or homes with larger and specialty windows, daily earnings push higher. Use our Piece Rate Calculator to test your own scenarios.
Factors That Push New Construction Rates Higher
Window size and weight. Standard vinyl windows under 36" wide are a one-person lift. Large picture windows, triple-pane units, or heavy fiberglass windows require two people to handle, plus additional time for careful placement. Anything requiring a two-person lift should pay at least 50% more per unit.
Height. Ground-floor windows are baseline. Second and third-floor windows require ladder or scaffold work, and material has to be carried up or lifted. Add 20-30% for above-grade installations.
Window type. Single-hung and double-hung are the fastest to set — they're rectangular and simple. Casement windows have hardware that needs to be checked for operation. Arched, circular, or custom-shape windows require more careful fitting.
Flashing requirements. Some builders include full flashing (sill pan, jamb tape, head flashing) in the window installer's scope. Others have the wrap crew handle it. If flashing is included, add $5 to $12 per window.
Replacement Window Rates
Replacement windows install into existing openings, removing the old sash or the entire old window and fitting the new one. It's slower than new construction because every opening has its own quirks — out of square, different measurements, existing trim to protect.
Rate Ranges for Replacement Windows
Insert replacement (new sash into existing frame):
- Standard size: $30 to $55 per window
- Large windows: $45 to $75 per window
Full-frame replacement (remove entire old window, install new):
- Standard size: $50 to $85 per window
- Large windows: $70 to $120 per window
- Including exterior trim restoration: $65 to $110 per window
Removal of old window (if priced separately):
- Standard removal and haul-off: $10 to $20 per window
Replacement Window Production
Replacement work is slower. A two-person crew should complete 8 to 15 replacement windows per day depending on the method and conditions. Full-frame replacements in older homes with plaster walls and complex trim can drop to 6-8 per day.
At $60 per window (full-frame) and 10 windows per day:
- Total crew earnings: $600/day
- Per installer: $300/day
The per-unit rate is higher than new construction, but production is lower. Daily earnings typically end up in a similar range.
Factors Specific to Replacement Work
Condition of existing opening. Clean, square openings are baseline. Rotted sills, out-of-square frames, and damaged headers add time. If structural repair is needed, it should be priced separately or the per-window rate needs a significant add-on.
Interior trim. If the installer is responsible for removing and reinstalling interior trim (casing, stools, aprons), add $10 to $25 per window. Some crews leave interior trim for the finish carpenter.
Lead paint. In pre-1978 homes, lead paint may be present. EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) rules require certified renovators and specific containment procedures. Lead-safe work adds significant time. This should be priced as a separate line item or a substantial per-window add-on ($20 to $50 per window for containment and cleanup).
Occupied homes. Working in occupied homes means protecting floors, moving furniture, dealing with homeowner questions, and cleaning up daily. It's slower than working in an empty house. Add 10-20% for occupied home work.
Door Installation Rates
Doors are more variable than windows — entry doors, interior pre-hung, sliding glass, and French doors all install differently.
Rate Ranges for Doors
Exterior doors (new construction):
- Standard entry door (pre-hung, single): $40 to $70 per door
- Entry door with sidelites: $65 to $120 per door
- Sliding glass door (6' to 8'): $55 to $100 per door
- French doors (pair): $70 to $120 per pair
- Garage service door: $35 to $60 per door
Exterior doors (replacement):
- Entry door replacement: $75 to $150 per door
- Sliding glass door replacement: $80 to $140 per door
Interior doors (new construction):
- Pre-hung interior door: $20 to $40 per door
- Pocket door: $50 to $90 per door
- Barn door (including hardware): $50 to $85 per door
- Bi-fold closet doors: $20 to $35 per opening
Door Installation Production
Doors install slower per unit than windows because they require more precise alignment — they have to swing, latch, and close properly. A two-person crew should install 8 to 15 exterior doors per day on new construction, or 15 to 25 interior pre-hung doors per day.
Sliding glass doors and French doors are the slowest — they're heavy, require careful leveling for smooth operation, and have more complex hardware.
Building a Window and Door Rate Card
| Work Type | Unit | Rate Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New const. window, standard | each | $18-$30 | Up to 36"x60" |
| New const. window, large | each | $25-$45 | Over 36"x60" |
| New const. picture window | each | $25-$50 | Fixed, large format |
| Bay/bow window | each | $75-$150 | Complex install |
| Replacement, insert | each | $30-$55 | Into existing frame |
| Replacement, full-frame | each | $50-$85 | Remove + install |
| Entry door, new const. | each | $40-$70 | Pre-hung, single |
| Entry door, replacement | each | $75-$150 | Remove + install |
| Sliding glass door | each | $55-$100 | New construction |
| Interior pre-hung door | each | $20-$40 | New construction |
| Second floor premium | per unit | +20-30% | Ladder/scaffold work |
| Flashing (if included) | per unit | +$5-$12 | Full flash system |
Post this rate card before every job. Window and door counts are easy to verify — walk the house and count openings. No ambiguity about what was installed. For more on rate structures, see our guide on setting fair piece rates in construction.
Sample Earnings Calculation
A two-person crew installs windows and doors in a new construction two-story home: 22 standard windows, 3 large windows, 1 sliding glass door, 1 entry door, and 1 garage service door.
- 22 standard windows x $25 = $550
- 3 large windows x $40 = $120
- 1 sliding glass door x $75 = $75
- 1 entry door x $55 = $55
- 1 garage service door x $45 = $45
- Second floor premium (10 windows): 10 x $6 = $60
- Total crew earnings: $905
If completed in 1.5 days, that's $603 per day for the crew, $302 per person, or $34/hour at 9-hour days.
Model your own numbers with our Piece Rate Calculator.
Compliance Considerations
Track Hours
Whether you pay per unit or per house, you must track every hour worked. Window crews in production housing can work 50+ hour weeks during the busy season. See our guide on tracking hours for piece rate workers.
Overtime
The standard piece rate overtime formula applies. Total weekly piece rate earnings divided by total hours equals the regular rate. Then 0.5x the regular rate for every hour over 40. Full walkthrough in our overtime for piece rate workers guide.
Safety
Window installation involves working at height, handling heavy glass, and using power tools in awkward positions. Second-floor exterior work requires proper fall protection. Don't let piece rate incentives push crews to skip ladder safety or try to one-person lift a window that needs two.
Regional Variation
- New construction volume. High-growth markets (Texas, Florida, the Carolinas, Phoenix) have established per-unit norms and steady work. Rates may be slightly lower but volume makes up for it.
- Energy code requirements. Northern states and certain municipalities require more stringent window flashing and air-sealing procedures, which adds time per unit.
- Window types. Triple-pane windows (common in cold climates) are heavier and take more time to handle. Southern markets primarily use dual-pane, which is lighter and faster.
- Union vs. non-union. In union markets, window installation may be claimed by glaziers or carpenters depending on the material. Union rules affect how and whether piece rate is used.
Reviewing Rates
Check window and door rates quarterly:
- Crew retention. Experienced window installers are efficient. Losing them to a competitor paying $3 more per window costs you far more in production.
- Callback rates. Drafty windows, water leaks, or hardware issues after installation may signal rushing. Review quality before adjusting rates upward.
- Product changes. New window lines from manufacturers may install differently — different fastening methods, integrated flanges, or heavier units. Adjust rates when you change products.
Track per-unit production and crew earnings with Piece Work Pro. For the full picture of piece rate across construction trades, read piece work in different construction trades.