Construction and extraction
Insulation workers, mechanical
Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.
Median pay
$58,340
Growth to 2035
+5%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
1,800
Time to qualify*
4 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Insulation workers, mechanical
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Apprenticeship
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Insulation workers, mechanical: 26% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
Also called: Commercial Insulator · Heat and Frost Insulator · Industrial Insulator · Insulation Installer · Insulation Mechanic · Insulation Worker · Insulator · Insulator Journeyman
Outlook and AI
Insulation workers, mechanical held 26,700 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 28,100 by 2035 (+5%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
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- Insulation workers, mechanical vs. Pipelayer
- Insulation workers, mechanical vs. Roofer
- Insulation workers, mechanical vs. Plumber
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- Insulation workers, mechanical vs. Brickmasons and blockmasons