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
$58,340
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
$42,470
10th percentile
Early Career
$48,100
25th percentile
Median
$58,340
50th percentile
Experienced
$77,360
75th percentile
Top Earners
$100,220
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$42,470
25th
$48,100
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$58,340
Mean: $65,530
75th
$77,360
90th
$100,220
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $57,750 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $48,100 and $77,360
- •Salary spread is 50.2% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 25,660 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
Construction90.9%
Specialty Trade Contractors86.2%
Building Equipment Contractors67.8%
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 44 locations
Texas
4,190 jobs$48,9301.80x
New York
1,490 jobs$59,1200.93x
Virginia
1,350 jobs$57,0101.99x
Indiana
1,320 jobs$72,2202.50x
California
1,310 jobs$119,6900.43x
Illinois
1,100 jobs$100,4001.10x
North Carolina
1,090 jobs$48,4301.33x
Ohio
990 jobs$67,6001.08x
Missouri
830 jobs$78,6601.70x
Tennessee
670 jobs$46,3801.23x
Georgia
660 jobs$52,6000.81x
Michigan
650 jobs$58,8600.90x
South Carolina
630 jobs$50,4401.65x
Louisiana
620 jobs$48,2801.95x
Wisconsin
600 jobs$85,1201.24x
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 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Monitoring
100%
#2
Building and Construction
100%
#3
Trunk Strength
100%
#4
Customer and Personal Service
94%
#5
Extent Flexibility
92%
#6
Coordination
86%
#7
Mechanical
86%
#8
Problem Sensitivity
82%
#9
Administration and Management
80%
#10
Education and Training
74%
Skills Overview
Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Building and Construction
advanced5.0
100%
Trunk Strength
advanced5.0
100%
Customer and Personal Service
advanced4.7
94%
Extent Flexibility
advanced4.6
92%
Coordination
intermediate4.3
86%
Mechanical
intermediate4.3
86%
Problem Sensitivity
intermediate4.1
82%
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
Building and Construction
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Trunk Strength
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Customer and Personal Service
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Extent Flexibility
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Coordination
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Mechanical
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Administration and Management
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Education and Training
intermediateImportance74%
knowledge
3.7/5.0
Multilimb Coordination
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance70%
abilities
3.5/5.0
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
- ✓Building and Construction
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓Mechanical
Learn on the Job:
- →Time Management
- →Mathematics
- →Production and Processing
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Coordination
- ✓Building and Construction
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓Mechanical
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Building and Construction
- ★Customer and Personal Service
- ★Mechanical
- ★Trunk Strength
- ★Extent Flexibility
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
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Insulation Workers, Mechanical.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 107 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 49 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: TX (18) , NJ (7) , PA (6) , VA (6) , MN (5)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Insulation Workers, Mechanical
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
1.6k program completions/year
Apex Technical School
Long Island City, NY
788 program completions/year
American River College
Sacramento, CA
774 program completions/year
J F Ingram State Technical College
Deatsville, AL
645 program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
631 program completions/year
Owensboro Community and Technical College
Owensboro, KY
612 program completions/year
Lake Land College
Mattoon, IL
596 program completions/year
Lincoln Technical Institute-Union
Union, NJ
573 program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
559 program completions/year
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
Elizabethtown, KY
556 program completions/year
City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College
Chicago, IL
535 program completions/year
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
Bowling Green, KY
494 program completions/year