Insulation Workers, Mechanical
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.
Median pay: $58,340/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +4.7% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 2,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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.
What's the median pay for Insulation Workers, Mechanical?
The median pay for Insulation Workers, Mechanical is $58,340 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Insulation Workers, Mechanical?
Employment for Insulation Workers, Mechanical is projected to change +4.7% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Insulation Workers, Mechanical?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Insulation Workers, Mechanical?
About 2,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.