Insulation workers, mechanical
Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.
Insulation workers, mechanical apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature. The role reports a median annual salary of $57,250 in the US and is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (about as fast as average). Entry typically requires a High school diploma or equivalent, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.42 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include Coordination, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Monitoring, Time Management.
Pay in the UK
UK: median £32,446 a year for Construction operatives n.e.c. (ONS ASHE 2025, full-time)
Middle half of full-time jobs: £26,836 to £37,754 a year
UK jobs are grouped differently; this is the closest UK occupation group (ONS SOC 2020 8159). ONS rates this estimate precise. 2025 provisional figures; ONS revises them a year later. Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Open Government Licence)
Pay in India (occupation group)
Average monthly earnings of salaried employees in the occupation group “Craft and related trades workers” in India, from the Government of India's Periodic Labour Force Survey (January–December 2025). It covers everyone in this group, not only Insulation workers, mechanical, and it is not US pay converted to rupees.
Source: MoSPI (Government of India), Periodic Labour Force Survey Annual Report 2025, Table 51 — average wage/salary earnings of regular wage/salaried employees, NCO-2015 division 7. Official India data gives one average per occupation group: there are no official India figures for single careers, experience levels or cities. Read the report
Top skills
Knowledge you'll build
- Building and Construction
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Public Safety and Security
What you'd actually do
- 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.
Tools & technology you'd use
Frequently asked questions
What does Insulation workers, mechanical do?
Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.
How much does Insulation workers, mechanical earn?
The median annual salary for Insulation workers, mechanical in the US is $57,250.
What is the job outlook for Insulation workers, mechanical?
The role is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (about as fast as average). Current US employment is approximately 27,200 workers.
How do I become insulation workers, mechanical?
The typical entry education is a High school diploma or equivalent. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.
What skills does Insulation workers, mechanical need?
The most in-demand skills for this role include Coordination, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Monitoring, Time Management, Speaking. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.
Will AI replace Insulation workers, mechanical?
Our AI-durability model gives Insulation workers, mechanical a score of 0.42 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.
How hard is it to enter this field?
Insulation workers, mechanical has low barrier to entry — generally accessible — you can enter with basic credentials and on-the-job learning.