What Does it Take to Be a Mechanical Insulation Worker?
Mechanical Insulation Worker Definition Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.
Life As a Mechanical Insulation Worker: What Do They Do?
- Cover, seal, or finish insulated surfaces or access holes with plastic covers, canvas strips, sealants, tape, cement, or asphalt mastic.
- 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.
- Determine the amounts and types of insulation needed, and methods of installation, based on factors such as location, surface shape, and equipment use.
- Install sheet metal around insulated pipes with screws to protect the insulation from weather conditions or physical damage.
- Distribute insulating materials evenly into small spaces within floors, ceilings, or walls, using blowers and hose attachments or cement mortar.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Mechanical Insulation Worker?
These are the skills Mechanical Insulation Workers say are the most useful in their careers:
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Related Job Titles
- Pipe Coverer and Insulator
- Marine Insulator
- Blanket Maker
- Insulation Worker Apprentice
- Scaffold Builder
Job Opportunities for Mechanical Insulation Workers
There were about 28,600 jobs for Mechanical Insulation Worker in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,800 new jobs for Mechanical Insulation Worker by 2026. There will be an estimated 3,400 positions for Mechanical Insulation Worker per year.

The states with the most job growth for Mechanical Insulation Worker are Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in South Dakota, New Mexico, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Mechanical Insulation Worker Average Salary
The salary for Mechanical Insulation Workers ranges between about $30,380 and $88,770 a year.

Mechanical Insulation Workers who work in Rhode Island, Oregon, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
How much do Mechanical Insulation Workers make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $44,830 |
Alaska | $60,780 |
Arizona | $53,480 |
Arkansas | $40,610 |
California | $73,060 |
Colorado | $42,630 |
Connecticut | $62,890 |
Delaware | $49,320 |
District of Columbia | $52,020 |
Florida | $38,230 |
Georgia | $45,980 |
Hawaii | $66,440 |
Idaho | $38,840 |
Illinois | $68,730 |
Indiana | $59,040 |
Iowa | $50,810 |
Kansas | $47,830 |
Kentucky | $44,300 |
Louisiana | $48,190 |
Maine | $47,830 |
Maryland | $45,400 |
Massachusetts | $81,640 |
Michigan | $50,090 |
Minnesota | $73,850 |
Mississippi | $34,420 |
Missouri | $61,120 |
Montana | $62,390 |
Nebraska | $55,460 |
Nevada | $75,590 |
New Jersey | $71,070 |
New Mexico | $47,300 |
New York | $80,240 |
North Carolina | $39,620 |
North Dakota | $43,180 |
Ohio | $56,050 |
Oklahoma | $48,220 |
Oregon | $83,460 |
Pennsylvania | $79,670 |
Rhode Island | $89,410 |
South Carolina | $42,380 |
Tennessee | $40,470 |
Texas | $41,450 |
Utah | $44,990 |
Virginia | $46,900 |
Washington | $65,020 |
West Virginia | $53,790 |
Wisconsin | $66,550 |
Wyoming | $48,120 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Mechanical Insulation Workers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Mechanical Insulation Workers may use on a daily basis:
- Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal
- CMSN FieldPAK
- Comput-Ability Mechanical Insulation Key Estimator
- North American Insulation Manufacturers Association NAIMA 3E Plus
How to Become a Mechanical Insulation Worker
Education needed to be a Mechanical Insulation Worker:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Mechanical Insulation Workers Sector

Mechanical Insulation Workers work in the following industries:

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Mechanical Insulation Worker might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Mechanical Insulation Worker in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Margo Wright via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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