Mechanical Insulation Worker Career
Mechanical insulation workers are a type of insulation worker that specializes in installing and repairing insulating materials on piping and mechanical systems. As with floor, ceiling and wall insulation, mechanical insulation is used for both thermal and acoustic reasons and sees employees working in a wide range of residential, commercial and industrial settings.
Mechanical insulators spend much of their time working indoors, but some mechanical insulation tasks also require working outside, which could expose workers to the heat and elements. Most of the work is done in quite small, cramped spaces and workers are expected to spend long hours standing, bending and kneeling. In addition, the work can leave you quite dirty and itchy due to the various insulation materials used. The average employee works a 40-hour week and overtime is not all that common.
Mechanical Insulation Worker Career Snapshot
Further details on a career as a mechanical insulation worker are listed below (statistics from the May 2016 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):
is the average annual pay for mechanical insulation workers.
increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.
have less than a High school diploma while 35% have a High school diploma or equivalent.
Mechanical Insulation Worker Education
There are no educational requirements or certifications needed to become a mechanical insulator, but almost 60 percent of workers have at least a high-school diploma. However, mechanical insulation requires much more specialized skills and training than when installing floor, ceiling and floor insulation. For this reason, the majority of workers complete an apprenticeship program and nearly 1/4 of workers hold a post-secondary certificate.
Mechanical Insulation Worker Job Duties
Mechanical insulators apply acoustic and thermal installation to piping and mechanical systems. As part of their role, these workers help to improve a building’s energy efficiency, reduce noise and vibration, prevent the release of greenhouse emissions, control condensation and maintain temperatures. Most mechanical insulation is applied using a sprayer, although some piping insulation may still be applied by hand.
Mechanical Insulation Worker Salaries
Mechanical insulators can expect to earn slightly more than the average skilled construction worker. According to the BLS.gov, the median average yearly salary in 2016 was approximately $45,000. Still, the highest earning workers took home nearly double this amount, which shows that there is plenty of room for growth and career advancement.
Mechanical Insulation Worker Job Outlook
The number of mechanical insulator jobs in the United States is expected to explode over the coming years, and the predicted growth rate of 13 percent is well more than double the average for other careers. This bodes well for anyone considering a career in this field and indicates that ample job opportunities should exist for the foreseeable future. However, it is important to note that there is a fairly high turnover rate due to the nature of the work.
Mechanical Insulation Worker Skills & Traits
| Mechanical Insulation Worker Skill Set: | Required Abilities: | Tools Used by Mechanical Insulation Workers : | Typical Work Activities: |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Coordination • Critical Thinking • Active Listening • Monitoring | • Arm-Hand Steadiness • Oral Comprehension • Oral Expression • Extent Flexibility | • Air filtering devices • Hazardous material protective apparel • Copper cutters • Hammer staplers | • Getting Information • Handling and Moving Objects • Performing General Physical Activities • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material |
Related Careers
Construction Laborers & Helpers
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Roofers
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Sheet Metal Workers
High School Diploma or Equivalent
