Insulation Workers, Mechanical
Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.
Also called: Commercial Insulator · Heat and Frost Insulator · Industrial Insulator · Insulation Installer · Insulation Mechanic · Insulation Worker
Median pay (national)
$57,250
$39,450–$94,110 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
25,640
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+4.7%
~2,300 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for insulation workers, mechanical shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $94,110 versus $39,450 at the bottom 10% — 2.4x. The median of $57,250 leaves roughly 64% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +4.7% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 2,300 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 47 states with released data, Oregon pays the most for this role (median $123,560, +116% vs the national median), while Idaho sits lowest at $35,440 — a 249% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Mathematics
- Learning Strategies
- Writing
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- 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.
- Determine the amounts and types of insulation needed, and methods of installation, based on factors such as location, surface shape, and equipment use.
- 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.
- Select appropriate insulation, such as fiberglass, Styrofoam, or cork, based on the heat retaining or excluding characteristics of the material.
- 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.
- Fit insulation around obstructions, and shape insulating materials and protective coverings as required.
Tools & technology
- CMSN FieldPAK
- Comput-Ability Mechanical Insulation Key Estimator
- IBM Maximo Asset Management
- North American Insulation Manufacturers Association NAIMA 3E Plus
- Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal
Knowledge areas
- Building and Construction
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Public Safety and Security