Insulation Workers (Mechanical)
O*NET title: Insulation Workers, Mechanical
Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.
Also called: AC Insulation Installer (Air Conditioning Insulation Installer), Blanket Maker, Boiler Coverer, Commercial Insulator, Duct Insulator, Firestopper Installer
Median pay
$58,340
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$42,470 – $100,220
People employed
25,660
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 2.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 3.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 4.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 5.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Insulation Workers (Mechanical) pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (44 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What insulation workers (mechanical) do
- 01Measure and cut insulation for covering surfaces, using tape measures, handsaws, knives, and scissors.
- 02Apply, 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.
- 03Select appropriate insulation, such as fiberglass, Styrofoam, or cork, based on the heat retaining or excluding characteristics of the material.
- 04Fit insulation around obstructions, and shape insulating materials and protective coverings as required.
- 05Determine the amounts and types of insulation needed, and methods of installation, based on factors such as location, surface shape, and equipment use.
- 06Cover, seal, or finish insulated surfaces or access holes with plastic covers, canvas strips, sealants, tape, cement, or asphalt mastic.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Building and Construction
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from insulation workers (mechanical)
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters80% · −12%
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers76% · −8%
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic75% · +9%
- Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters75% · +5%
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers73% · −15%
Change into insulation workers (mechanical)
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Fence Erectors78% · $47,980
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators78% · $46,880
- Tire Builders77% · $57,390
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers76% · $47,630
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers76% · $49,450
Majors that lead here
- Insulator
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.