Career Overview
Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.
Also Known As
- Industrial Insulator
- Insulation Mechanic
- Insulator
- Mechanical Insulator
Alternate Job Titles
- 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)
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Building and Construction
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Design
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Trunk Strength
- Problem Sensitivity
- Extent Flexibility
- Oral Comprehension
- Selective Attention
- Manual Dexterity
- Multilimb Coordination
- Static Strength
- Information Ordering
- Gross Body Equilibrium
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Perseverance
- Achievement Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Independence
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Tools & Equipment
- Acetylene torches
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Air compressors
- Air filtering devices
- Aviation snips
- Batt knives
- Beader crimpers
- Caulking guns
- Chalk lines
- Conduit benders
- Copper benders
- Copper cutters
- Desktop computers
- Drop cloths
- Filtered vacuum cleaners
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Spend Time Standing
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $39,450 |
| Median | $57,250 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $94,110 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 25,640
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $48,680
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $58,140
Sheet Metal Workers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $60,850
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $54,340
Pipelayers
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $48,710
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.