How much does a insulation worker make?
Answer: A typical insulation worker in the United States makes $58,340 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 26,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Insulation worker pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $42,470 | $58,340 | $100,220 | about 26,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $100,400 | about 1,000 |
| Washington | $92,120 | about 500 |
| Wisconsin | $85,120 | about 600 |
| Pennsylvania | $80,770 | about 590 |
| Missouri | $78,660 | about 830 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience and skill, the employer or industry, and where the job is. Credentials, more complex tasks, and hours worked can also affect pay.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a insulation worker do?
Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.
What's a typical day like?
They read plans, measure and cut insulation, then fit it around pipes, ducts, tanks, or other equipment. They seal the covering or add sheet metal to protect it.
How to get this job
In the United States, mechanical insulators can finish high school or an equivalent and then learn through an apprenticeship. The BLS says they may complete an apprenticeship after earning that diploma or equivalent.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Mechanical insulators do more than keep equipment hot or cold: insulation can also help control noise from pipes and machinery.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Construction and Extraction jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2132.00
- www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/insulation-workers.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/pdf/wage-differences.pdf
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY