Insulation Workers, Mechanical
Construction and Extraction
Cuts and fits insulation around pipes, ducts, tanks, heat exchangers, and vessels so they hold temperature and stay quieter. Fiberglass, Styrofoam, or cork is chosen from how the equipment is used and from the drawings, then shaped around obstructions. Seams are sealed with tape, mastic, or canvas, and sheet metal is often screwed on to shield the wrap from weather or damage. The work follows blueprints and specifications. It tends to suit people who like fitting materials around irregular shapes and deciding methods from drawings.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$58'340
Median Wage Market Position
$58'340
What you might do
- Wrap insulation around pipes, ducts, and tanks
- Size insulation to wrap pipes and tanks
- Shape insulation to fit around valves and bends
- Choose material that holds or blocks heat
- Cover finished insulation with canvas or mastic
- Fasten sheet metal around insulated outdoor pipes
Skills that matter
- Wrapping pipes, ducts, and tanks
- Fitting insulation around valves and bends
- Selecting fiberglass, Styrofoam, or cork
- Reading blueprints for tanks and vessels
- Screwing sheet metal over insulated pipe
- Planning the order of wrap and seal
AI & the future of this role
Wrapping pipes and ducts in plants and mechanical rooms involves awkward access and material know-how that robots seldom handle well. Digital layouts may assist prep, but fit, sealing, and system constraints still rely on craft skill.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details