Insulation Workers, Mechanical
SOC code 47-2132 · O*NET-SOC 47-2132.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Insulation Workers, Mechanical pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$58,340
a year
Hourly
$28.05
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$65,530
$31.50 per hour
Middle 50%
$48,100 – $77,360
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$42,470 – $100,220
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
25,660
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $42,470
- $20.42/hr
- 25th percentile
- $48,100
- $23.13/hr
- Median percentile
- $58,340
- $28.05/hr
- 75th percentile
- $77,360
- $37.19/hr
- 90th percentile
- $100,220
- $48.19/hr
What do insulation workers, mechanical do?
Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 72% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- 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.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)72%
- Post-Secondary Certificate21%
- Less than a High School Diploma8%
Common questions
How much does an insulation workers, mechanical earn?
The national median is $58,340 a year. The full range runs from $42,470 at the 10th percentile to $100,220 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an insulation workers, mechanical without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening3.0/5
- Critical Thinking3.0/5
- Monitoring3.0/5
- Speaking2.9/5
- Reading Comprehension2.8/5
- Active Learning2.8/5
Knowledge areas
- Building and Construction4.3/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
- Mechanical4.1/5
- Administration and Management4.0/5
- Education and Training3.9/5
- Mathematics3.8/5
- Production and Processing3.7/5
- Public Safety and Security3.7/5
Transferable strengths: Coordination, Time Management, Judgment and Decision Making, Operations Monitoring.