Insulation Workers, Mechanical Career, Salary and Skills

Insulation Workers, Mechanical have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $58,340 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 25,660. Wage data is published for 122 locations.

Occupation description

Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.

O*NET code

47-2132.00

Job zone

2

Typical education

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)

Experience

None

National salary and employment

Median annual

$58,340

Hourly median

$28.05

Employment

25,660

Data year

2025

National salary distribution

$42,470
10th
$48,100
25th
$58,340
Median
$77,360
75th
$100,220
90th

Top skills

All skill ratings →

Typical tasks

  • 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.
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Technology

  • CMSN FieldPAK
  • Comput-Ability Mechanical Insulation Key Estimator
  • IBM Maximo Asset Management
  • North American Insulation Manufacturers Association NAIMA 3E Plus
  • Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal
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Insulation Workers, Mechanical salary by location

Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.

All 122 locations →

Related careers

Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 (bls.gov/oes). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.