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
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Coordination | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Time Management | 3.00 | 2.75 |
| Active Listening | 3.00 | 2.88 |
| Monitoring | 3.00 | 2.75 |
| Speaking | 2.88 | 2.62 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.88 | 2.50 |
| Reading Comprehension | 2.75 | 2.75 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 2.75 | 2.00 |
| Active Learning | 2.75 | 2.62 |
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.
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
Insulation Workers, Mechanical salary by location
Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical Salary in TXMedian $48,930 · Employment 4,190
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical Salary in NYMedian $59,120 · Employment 1,490
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical Salary in VAMedian $57,010 · Employment 1,350
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical Salary in INMedian $72,220 · Employment 1,320
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical Salary in Houston, TXMedian $50,050 · Employment 1,320
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical Salary in CAMedian $119,690 · Employment 1,310
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical Salary in ILMedian $100,400 · Employment 1,100
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical Salary in New York, NYMedian $70,690 · Employment 1,100
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical Salary in NCMedian $48,430 · Employment 1,090
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical Salary in OHMedian $67,600 · Employment 990
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical Salary in Chicago, ILMedian $103,690 · Employment 930
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical Salary in Dallas, TXMedian $52,200 · Employment 830
Related careers
- Tile and Stone SettersNational median $55,690
- TapersNational median $68,270
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and TendersNational median $47,920
- Structural Iron and Steel WorkersNational median $62,780
- Carpet InstallersNational median $50,340
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and PlasticNational median $46,170
- Fiberglass Laminators and FabricatorsNational median $46,880
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and SteamfittersNational median $42,360
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.