Construction & Extraction
Insulation Workers, Mechanical
Also called: Commercial Insulator, Heat and Frost Insulator, Industrial Insulator, Insulation Installer
US median pay
$58,340
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+5.1%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
1,800
26,700 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.
What they do day to day
- Measure and cut insulation for covering surfaces, using tape measures, handsaws, knives, and scissors.
- Apply, remove, and repair insulation on industrial equipment, pipes, ductwork, or other mechanical systems such as heat exchangers, tanks, and vessels, to help control noise and maintain temperatures.
- Select appropriate insulation, such as fiberglass, Styrofoam, or cork, based on the heat retaining or excluding characteristics of the material.
- Fit insulation around obstructions, and shape insulating materials and protective coverings as required.
- Determine the amounts and types of insulation needed, and methods of installation, based on factors such as location, surface shape, and equipment use.
- Cover, seal, or finish insulated surfaces or access holes with plastic covers, canvas strips, sealants, tape, cement, or asphalt mastic.
- Install sheet metal around insulated pipes with screws to protect the insulation from weather conditions or physical damage.
- Read blueprints and specifications to determine job requirements.
- Prepare surfaces for insulation application by brushing or spreading on adhesives, cement, or asphalt, or by attaching metal pins to surfaces.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Time Management3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.9/5
- Quality Control Analysis2.8/5
- Operations Monitoring2.8/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.6/5
- Operation and Control2.6/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.6/5
Knowledge
- Building and Construction4.3/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
- Mechanical4.1/5
- Administration and Management4.0/5
- Education and Training3.9/5
- Mathematics3.8/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma72%
- Post-secondary certificate21%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.