### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Insulation Workers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			insulation workers imageInsulators must wear safety gear when working in confined spaces.							
						Quick Facts:     Insulation Workers2023     Median Pay
            						$49,350     per year
										$23.72     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    See How to Become OneWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    See How to Become OneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    61,600Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    2% (As fast as average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    1,000What Insulation Workers Do
                                                
                        
                        
Insulation workers install and replace the materials used to insulate buildings or mechanical systems.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Insulators generally work indoors. Mechanical insulators work both indoors and outdoors, sometimes in extreme temperatures. They spend most of their workday standing, bending, or kneeling, often in confined spaces.
            
                                                How to Become an Insulation Worker
                                                
                        
Floor, ceiling, and wall insulators typically learn their trade on the job. Mechanical insulators may complete an apprenticeship program after earning a high school diploma or equivalent.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall was $47,540 in May 2023.									                                														The median annual wage for insulation workers, mechanical was $53,920 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of insulation workers is projected to grow							 2 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
						About 4,800 openings for insulation workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for insulation workers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of insulation workers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about insulation workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Insulation Workers Do 
            

			Insulation workersMechanical insulators install preformed insulation.			
Insulation workers, also called *insulators*, install and replace the materials used to insulate buildings or mechanical systems.
Duties
Insulators typically do the following:
Remove and dispose of old insulation
Review blueprints and specifications to determine the amount and type of insulation needed
Measure and cut insulation to fit into walls and around pipes
Secure insulation with staples, tape, or screws
Use air compressors to spray foam insulation
Install plastic barriers to protect insulation from moistureInsulators install and replace the material that saves energy and helps reduce noise in buildings and around vats, vessels, boilers, steam pipes, and water pipes. Insulators also install fire-stopping materials to prevent the spread of a fire and smoke throughout a building.
Insulators often must remove old insulation when renovating buildings. In the past, asbestos—now known to cause cancer—was used extensively to insulate walls, ceilings, pipes, and industrial equipment. Because of the health risks associated with handling asbestos, hazardous materials removal workers or specially trained insulators must remove asbestos before workers begin installing new insulation.
Insulators use common handtools, such as knives, trowels, and scissors. They also may use a variety of power tools, such as welders to secure clamps, staple guns to fasten insulation to walls, and air compressors to spray insulation.
Insulators sometimes wrap a cover of aluminum, sheet metal, or plastic over the insulation. Doing so protects the insulation from contact damage and keeps moisture out.
***Floor, ceiling, and wall insulators*** install insulation in attics, under floors, and behind walls in homes and other buildings. To fill the space between wall studs and ceiling joists, workers either unroll, cut, fit, and staple batts of insulation or spray foam insulation.
***Mechanical insulators*** apply insulation to equipment, pipes, or ductwork in many types of buildings.
 Work Environment
			Insulation workersMechanical insulators often work in large industrial buildings.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall held about 34,400 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall were as follows:
        Drywall and insulation contractors
                66%Building equipment contractors
                14Self-employed workers
                4Nonresidential building construction
                3Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors
                2Insulation workers, mechanical held about 27,200 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of insulation workers, mechanical were as follows:
        Building equipment contractors
                70%Drywall and insulation contractors
                14Self-employed workers
                4Other specialty trade contractors
                1Insulators generally work indoors. Mechanical insulators work both indoors and outdoors, sometimes in extreme temperatures. They spend most of their workday standing, bending, or kneeling in confined spaces. Insulators may work at great heights on scaffolding, work platforms, or ladders.
Injuries and Illnesses
Common hazards for insulation workers include falls from ladders and cuts from knives. In addition, small particles from insulation materials can irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs. To protect themselves, insulators must keep the work area well-ventilated and follow product and employer safety recommendations. They also may wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including suits, masks, and respirators, to protect against hazardous fumes or materials.
Mechanical insulators may get burns from insulating pipes that are in service.
Work Schedules
Most insulators work full time, and more than 40 hours a week may be required to meet construction deadlines. Those who insulate outdoors may not be able to work in bad weather, such as during a storm or in extreme heat or cold.
 How to Become an Insulation Worker

			Insulation workersMany insulators are trained on the job.			
Most floor, ceiling, and wall insulators learn their trade on the job. Many mechanical insulators complete an apprenticeship program after earning a high school diploma or equivalent.
Education
There are no specific education requirements for floor, ceiling, and wall insulators. Apprenticeships for mechanical insulators typically require a high school diploma or equivalent. High school courses in subjects such as math, mechanical drawing, and science are helpful for all types of insulators.
Training
Most floor, ceiling, and wall insulators learn their trade on the job. New workers learn about installation and get mandatory Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA) safety training on insulation handling and asbestos abatement. Beginning insulators work alongside more experienced ones to learn how to use equipment for installing spray insulation.
Many mechanical insulators learn their trade through a 4- to 5-year apprenticeship, which includes both technical instruction and paid on-the-job training.
Unions and individual contractors offer apprenticeships. Although most insulators start out by entering apprenticeships directly, others begin by working as helpers. TheInternational Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers, an affiliate of the North American Building Trades Union, provides contact information on local union chapters.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Insulation workers who remove and handle asbestos must be trained through programs accredited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Some states require a license for asbestos abatement. Check with your state for more information. Mechanical insulators who complete an apprenticeship through the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workersmay receive this license as part of their apprenticeship.
The National Insulation Association offers a certification for mechanical insulators who conduct energy appraisals to determine if and how insulation can benefit industrial customers. Mechanical insulators also may receive certification in other job duties, such as fire stopping
Advancement
After completing an apprenticeship, mechanical insulators reach journey-level status. After becoming journey workers, mechanical insulators may advance to supervisor or superintendent positions, or they may choose to start their own business offering mechanical insulation services. ****
Important Qualities
***Ability to work at heights.*** Insulators may be required to work high on ladders or scaffolds to install or remove insulation.
***Dexterity.*** To install insulation, insulators often must reach overhead, sometimes while confined in spaces where maneuvering is difficult.
***Math skills.***Insulators need to measure the equipment or areas they are insulating and to calculate the amount and dimensions of insulation needed.
***Mechanical skills.*** Insulators must be adept at using a variety of handtools and power tools to install insulation.
***Physical stamina.*** Insulators spend much of the workday standing, kneeling, and bending in uncomfortable positions.
***Physical strength.*** Insulators may be required to lift or carry up to 50 pounds of tools or materials.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                        Insulation WorkersMedian annual wages, May 2023Insulation workers, mechanical$53,920  Construction trades workers$52,000  Insulation workers$49,350  Total, all occupations$48,060  Insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall$47,540Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall was $47,540 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,210, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $78,000.The median annual wage for insulation workers, mechanical was $53,920 in May 2023. 


The lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,910, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $90,760.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Nonresidential building construction
                $59,930Building equipment contractors
                50,190Drywall and insulation contractors
                46,800Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors
                44,230In May 2023, the median annual wages for insulation workers, mechanical in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Other specialty trade contractors
                $59,400Drywall and insulation contractors
                53,970Building equipment contractors
                52,380The starting pay for apprentices is less than that of a fully trained insulator. Apprentices earn more pay as they acquire skills.
Most insulators work full time, and they sometimes need to work more than 40 hours a week to meet construction deadlines. Those who insulate outdoors may not be able to work in bad weather, such as during a storm or in extreme heat or cold.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                     Insulation WorkersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Construction trades workers3%  Total, all occupations3%  Insulation workers, mechanical2%  Insulation workers2%  Insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall2%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of insulation workers is projected to grow				 2 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
			
			About 4,800 openings for insulation workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
The continuing need to make new and existing buildings and systems more energy efficient will drive the demand for mechanical insulation workers.
The amount of new home building and retrofitting of existing insulation will continue to be linked to the employment of floor, ceiling, and wall insulation workers over the projections decade.
			

                        Employment projections data for     insulation workers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Insulation workers**
			47-2130
			61,600
			62,600
			2
			1,000
			Get data**Insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall**
			47-2131
			34,400
			35,000
			2
			600
			Get data**Insulation workers, mechanical**
			47-2132
			27,200
			27,600
			2
			500
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall
					Insulation workers, mechanical **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of insulation workers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Carpenters**
            Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $56,350**Construction Laborers and Helpers**
            Construction laborers and helpers perform tasks, such as using, supplying, or holding materials or tools and cleaning work areas and equipment, on construction sites.
            See How to Become One
            $44,310**Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers**
            Drywall and ceiling tile installers hang wallboard and install ceiling tile inside buildings. Tapers prepare the wallboard for painting.
            No formal educational credential
            $57,010**Roofers**
            Roofers replace, repair, and install the roofs of buildings.
            No formal educational credential
            $50,030**Boilermakers**
            Boilermakers assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $71,140**Hazardous Materials Removal Workers**
            Hazardous materials removal workers identify and dispose of harmful substances such as asbestos, lead, and radioactive waste.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $47,280**Masonry Workers**
            Masonry workers use bricks, concrete and concrete blocks, and natural and manmade stones to build structures.
            See How to Become One
            $53,010
 Contacts for More Information
								
For details about apprenticeships or other opportunities for insulators, contact the offices of the state employment service, the state apprenticeship agency, local insulation contractors, or firms that employ insulators. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship program online or by phone at 877-872-5627. Visit Apprenticeship.gov to search for apprenticeship opportunities.
For more information about apprenticeship or training for insulators, visit
National Insulation Association
NCCER
International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers
North American Building Trades Union
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and WallInsulation Workers, Mechanical
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Insulation Workers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/insulation-workers.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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