How much does an insulation worker make?
a year · about $28 an hour
A typical insulation worker in the United States makes $58,340 a year, about $28 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
Did you know? Mechanical insulators do more than keep equipment hot or cold: insulation can also help control noise from pipes and machinery.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $42,470 and $100,220How do you become one?
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.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Illinois ($100,400), lowest in Tennessee ($46,380).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.
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