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Construction and Trades

Insulation Workers, Mechanical

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

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Insulation Workers, Mechanical
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Median pay

$57,250
Median annual pay for Insulation Workers, Mechanical.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

4.7%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

2,300
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

27,200
Estimated U.S. employment for Insulation Workers, Mechanical in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+1,300
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Apprenticeship.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Reading Comprehension

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Building and Construction
  2. 2Customer and Personal Service
  3. 3Mechanical
  4. 4Administration and Management
  5. 5Education and Training
  6. 6Mathematics

Abilities

  1. 1Trunk Strength
  2. 2Extent Flexibility
  3. 3Problem Sensitivity
  4. 4Arm-Hand Steadiness
  5. 5Gross Body Equilibrium
  6. 6Information Ordering

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Achievement Orientation
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Handling and Moving Objects
  2. 2Performing General Physical Activities
  3. 3Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  4. 4Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  5. 5Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  6. 6Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Spend Time Standing
  3. 3Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  4. 4Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  5. 5Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  6. 6Time Pressure

Representative 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.

Software and tools

CMSN FieldPAKComput-Ability Mechanical Insulation Key EstimatorIBM Maximo Asset ManagementNorth American Insulation Manufacturers Association NAIMA 3E PlusTurtle Creek Software Goldenseal

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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