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Skilled Trades

Insulation Workers, Mechanical

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

Median salary (BLS)

$58,340

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$42k – $100k

Job outlook

+5% (faster than average)

AI exposure

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Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$100–$2,600

Time to qualify

3.1 yr

Renewal

$50/yr

  1. 1

    Registered apprenticeship (paid)

    Experience

    Earn-while-you-learn training — apprentices are paid during the program; fees are tools/books, not tuition.

    $0–$2,000 · 36 months · varies by state source

  2. 2

    Journeyman exam & state/local license

    License

    Most states and municipalities test and license journeyman-level trades workers.

    $100–$600 · 1 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Insulation Workers, Mechanical" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Insulation Workers, Mechanical

    Entry / Junior

    $42,470

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Insulation Workers, Mechanical

    Established

    $58,340

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Insulation Workers, Mechanical

    Senior

    $79,280

Key skills

A typical day

  • •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.

Fields of study

Any field

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