Insulation workers, mechanical
SOC Code: 47-2132Also known as:
AC Insulation Installer (Air Conditioning Insulation Installer), Blanket Maker, Boiler Coverer, Commercial Insulator, Duct Insulator
Median Annual Salary
$57,250
+4.7% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
27K
Current Jobs
What Insulation workers, mechanical Do
Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.
💰 Salary
$57,250
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.7%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Apprenticeship
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
27,200
Projected Employment (2034)
28,500
Related Careers
Floor layers, except carpet, wood, and hard tiles
$54,340 •
+9.5% growth
Drywall and ceiling tile installers
$58,140 •
+4.2% growth
Insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall
$48,680 •
+3.8% growth
Pipelayers
$48,710 •
-4.1% growth
Sheet metal workers
$60,850 •
+2.4% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Coordination
Time Management
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Insulation workers, mechanical
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a insulation workers, mechanical:
Insulator
32 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Insulation workers, mechanical
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become insulation workers, mechanical.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renton Technical College | Renton, WA | 7 | C+ |
| 2 | Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis, IN | 24 | C |
| 3 | Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College | Miami Lakes, FL | 1 | C |
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do insulation workers, mechanical make?
The median annual salary for insulation workers, mechanical is $57,250.
What education do insulation workers, mechanical need?
Most insulation workers, mechanical positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Insulator.
Is becoming a insulation workers, mechanical a good career choice?
Insulation workers, mechanical is projected to see +4.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 2,300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for insulation workers, mechanical?
Top colleges for aspiring insulation workers, mechanical include
Renton Technical College, Ivy Tech Community College, Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to insulation workers, mechanical?
Insulation workers, mechanical may also be known as: AC Insulation Installer (Air Conditioning Insulation Installer), Blanket Maker, Boiler Coverer, Commercial Insulator, Duct Insulator, Firestopper Installer, Firestopper Technician (Firestopper Tech), Heat and Frost Insulator, Industrial Insulator, Industrial Pipe Insulator, Insulation Installer, Insulation Machine Operator, Insulation Mechanic, Insulation Power Unit Tender, Insulation Technician (Insulation Tech), Insulation Worker, Insulator, Insulator Journeyman, Marine Insulator, Mechanic Insulator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.