# Insulation Workers, Mechanical

> Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 47-2132.00
- **Summary:** Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.

## Aliases

- Industrial Insulator
- Insulation Mechanic
- Insulator
- Mechanical Insulator
- Commercial Insulator
- Heat and Frost Insulator
- Insulation Installer
- Insulation Worker
- Insulator Journeyman
- Mechanic Insulator
- AC Insulation Installer (Air Conditioning Insulation Installer)
- Blanket Maker

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Measure and cut insulation for covering surfaces, using tape measures, handsaws, knives, and scissors. | Core | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| 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. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.a |
| Select appropriate insulation, such as fiberglass, Styrofoam, or cork, based on the heat retaining or excluding characteristics of the material. | Core | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Fit insulation around obstructions, and shape insulating materials and protective coverings as required. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.a |
| Determine the amounts and types of insulation needed, and methods of installation, based on factors such as location, surface shape, and equipment use. | Core | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Cover, seal, or finish insulated surfaces or access holes with plastic covers, canvas strips, sealants, tape, cement, or asphalt mastic. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.a |
| Install sheet metal around insulated pipes with screws to protect the insulation from weather conditions or physical damage. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.a |
| Read blueprints and specifications to determine job requirements. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Prepare surfaces for insulation application by brushing or spreading on adhesives, cement, or asphalt, or by attaching metal pins to surfaces. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.g |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Cut carpet, vinyl or other flexible materials. | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Install insulation in equipment or structures. | 4.A.3.a.2.a |
| Select construction materials. | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Install metal structural components. | 4.A.3.a.2.a |
| Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements. | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Apply sealants or other protective coatings. | 4.A.3.a.2.ag |
| Prepare surfaces for finishing. | 4.A.3.a.1.g |
| Apply adhesives to construction materials. | 4.A.3.a.1.g |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Building and Construction | knowledge | 4.32 |
| Customer and Personal Service | knowledge | 4.09 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 4.07 |
| Administration and Management | knowledge | 4.02 |
| Education and Training | knowledge | 3.87 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 3.83 |
| Production and Processing | knowledge | 3.66 |
| Public Safety and Security | knowledge | 3.66 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.62 |
| Design | knowledge | 3.55 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 3.38 |
| Sales and Marketing | knowledge | 3.34 |
| Personnel and Human Resources | knowledge | 3.32 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.25 |
| Extent Flexibility | ability | 3.25 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.12 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.12 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.12 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.12 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.12 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.12 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.12 |
| Static Strength | ability | 3.12 |
| Gross Body Equilibrium | ability | 3.12 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.12 |
| Transportation | knowledge | 3.08 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3 |
| Gross Body Coordination | ability | 3 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 2.88 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 2.88 |
| Visualization | ability | 2.88 |
| Control Precision | ability | 2.88 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Project Management Software | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| CMSN FieldPAK | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Comput-Ability Mechanical Insulation Key Estimator | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| IBM Maximo Asset Management | Enterprise resource planning ERP software | no | no |
| North American Insulation Manufacturers Association NAIMA 3E Plus | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal | Project management software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.92 |
| Spend Time Standing | 4.71 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.56 |
| Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles | 4.52 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.34 |
| Time Pressure | 4.27 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4.23 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.18 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 4.15 |
| Telephone Conversations | 4.09 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 4 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 3.98 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 3.98 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 3.94 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 3.94 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 3.94 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 3.93 |
| Contact With Others | 3.92 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 3.87 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 3.85 |
| Exposed to High Places | 3.84 |
| Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection | 3.81 |
| Physical Proximity | 3.7 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.67 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 3.65 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.62 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 3.38 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 3.31 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 3.29 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.26 |
| Level of Competition | 3.25 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 3.23 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 3.17 |
| Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling | 3.05 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.88 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 2.87 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 2.85 |
| E-Mail | 2.78 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 2.77 |
| Outdoors, Under Cover | 2.67 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 71.69 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 20.8 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 7.52 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.92 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 6.11 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 4.25 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 3.54 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 2.88 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 2.64 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 2.42 |
| Dependability | work_style | 2.14 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 1.97 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 1.56 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 1.5 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 1.48 |
| Physical Science | specific_interest_area | 1.28 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 1.24 |
| Management/Administration | specific_interest_area | 1.2 |
| Human Resources | specific_interest_area | 1.18 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 47-2131.00 | role-47-2131-00 | Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall | Primary-Short |
| 47-2081.00 | role-47-2081-00 | Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers | Primary-Short |
| 47-2211.00 | role-47-2211-00 | Sheet Metal Workers | Primary-Short |
| 47-2042.00 | role-47-2042-00 | Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles | Primary-Short |
| 47-2151.00 | role-47-2151-00 | Pipelayers | Primary-Short |
| 47-2181.00 | role-47-2181-00 | Roofers | Primary-Long |
| 47-2152.04 | role-47-2152-04 | Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians | Primary-Long |
| 51-2041.00 | role-51-2041-00 | Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters | Primary-Long |
| 47-2021.00 | role-47-2021-00 | Brickmasons and Blockmasons | Primary-Long |
| 47-2152.00 | role-47-2152-00 | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Primary-Long |
| 51-2011.00 | role-51-2011-00 | Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers | Supplemental |
| 47-2161.00 | role-47-2161-00 | Plasterers and Stucco Masons | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Construction | construction |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Construction Trades | construction-trades |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 57250
- **Mean Wage:** 63540
- **Pct10Wage:** 39450
- **Pct25Wage:** 47480
- **Pct75Wage:** 75300
- **Pct90Wage:** 94110
- **Employment:** 25640
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 23060 | 56110 | 17.07 |
| 238290 | 238290 | Other Building Equipment Contractors | National industry | 14240 | 56600 | 557.65 |
| 238310 | 238310 | Drywall and Insulation Contractors | National industry | 4340 | 57720 | 106.23 |
| 238220 | 238220 | Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | National industry | 2310 | 52820 | 10.97 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 370 | 77360 | 0.25 |
| 238210 | 238210 | Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors | National industry | 210 | 44960 | 1.18 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 90 | 36700 |  |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 70 | 67060 |  |
| 238320 | 238320 | Painting and Wall Covering Contractors | National industry | 40 | 49760 |  |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector |  | 50100 |  |
| 81 | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Sector |  | 57420 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 238290 | 238290 | Other Building Equipment Contractors | National industry | 14240 | 557.65 |
| 238310 | 238310 | Drywall and Insulation Contractors | National industry | 4340 | 106.23 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 23060 | 17.07 |
| 238220 | 238220 | Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | National industry | 2310 | 10.97 |
| 238210 | 238210 | Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors | National industry | 210 | 1.18 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 370 | 0.25 |
- **Count:** 11

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.64 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -1.268615 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -1.419383 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.079884 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 23
- **Percentile:** 21
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 9 | felten_aioe |
| 13 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 46 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -1.268615 | 9 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.09090909090909091 | 13 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.13957335923518568 | 46 | Moderate | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.64
- **Percentile:** 54
- **Band:** Moderate
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0
- **Beta:** 0.045454545454545456
- **Gamma:** 0.09090909090909091

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 4.7
- **Growth Percentile:** 72
- **Direction:** About average
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 2.3
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 31
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 27.2
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 28.5

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 9
- **Skills:** 32
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 5
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 1bee955362d1eb43