Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.
Insulation Workers, Mechanical
SOC: 47-2132 O*NET: 47-2132.00
Median Salary
$57,250
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.7%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.
What does a Insulation Workers, Mechanical do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$39,450
10th percentile
Early Career
$47,480
25th percentile
Median
$57,250
50th percentile
Experienced
$75,300
75th percentile
Top Earners
$94,110
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$39,450
25th
$47,480
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$57,250
Mean: $63,540
75th
$75,300
90th
$94,110
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $54,660 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $47,480 and $75,300
- •Salary spread is 48.6% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 25,640 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:27,200
Top Industries
Construction89.9%
Specialty Trade Contractors84.9%
Building Equipment Contractors65.4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.7%
Annual Openings:2,300
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)27,200
Current
2034 (Projected)28,500
+4.7%
+1,300
Employment Change
+4.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Insulation Workers, Mechanical professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 47 locations
Texas
4,550 jobs$50,1101.98x
California
1,260 jobs$119,8900.42x
New York
1,250 jobs$60,9600.79x
Ohio
1,210 jobs$67,9001.31x
Florida
1,100 jobs$47,2100.68x
Missouri
1,080 jobs$61,4402.22x
Virginia
950 jobs$56,4401.41x
Massachusetts
920 jobs$63,0601.52x
Michigan
890 jobs$65,1401.22x
Georgia
890 jobs$49,8101.10x
North Carolina
820 jobs$50,7401.01x
Indiana
690 jobs$73,8701.30x
Pennsylvania
680 jobs$80,5100.68x
Louisiana
640 jobs$54,3902.02x
Colorado
640 jobs$47,0601.34x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Monitoring
100%
#2
Coordination
86%
#3
Critical Thinking
70%
#4
Time Management
56%
#5
Active Listening
40%
Skills Overview
Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Coordination
intermediate4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.5
70%
Time Management
basic2.8
56%
Active Listening
basic2.0
40%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Coordination
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance70%
abilities
3.5/5.0
Time Management
basicImportance56%
skills
2.8/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Fence Erectors83%
5 shared skills
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters67%
4 shared skills
Bakers63%
5 shared skills
Brickmasons and Blockmasons63%
5 shared skills
Roofers63%
5 shared skills
Dancers60%
3 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Coordination
Learn on the Job:
- →Time Management
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Coordination
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Critical Thinking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Insulation Workers, Mechanical
Technology Intensity
Medium
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires intermediate digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Office productivity softwareIndustry-specific applicationsBasic data entry and managementDigital communication tools
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
MIXED
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mixed environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
9
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (7)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)
1
Measure and cut insulation for covering surfaces, using tape measures, handsaws, knives, and scissors.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Fit insulation around obstructions, and shape insulating materials and protective coverings as required.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Determine the amounts and types of insulation needed, and methods of installation, based on factors such as location, surface shape, and equipment use.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Install sheet metal around insulated pipes with screws to protect the insulation from weather conditions or physical damage.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
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.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping88% perform92%
6
Select appropriate insulation, such as fiberglass, Styrofoam, or cork, based on the heat retaining or excluding characteristics of the material.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Read blueprints and specifications to determine job requirements.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Cover, seal, or finish insulated surfaces or access holes with plastic covers, canvas strips, sealants, tape, cement, or asphalt mastic.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Prepare surfaces for insulation application by brushing or spreading on adhesives, cement, or asphalt, or by attaching metal pins to surfaces.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping76% perform84%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •78% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Insulation Workers, Mechanical
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Insulation Workers, Mechanical professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Insulation Workers, Mechanical
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.40
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.36
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.34
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.30
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.29
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.23
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.4
Integrity
4.4
Cooperation
4.3
Dependability
4.3
Self-Control
4.3
Initiative
4.2
Concern for Others
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.1
Stress Tolerance
4.1
Leadership
4.1
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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