Floor, ceiling, and wall insulators: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Floor, ceiling, and wall insulators install insulation in attics, under floors, and behind walls in homes and other buildings. Most of these workers unroll, cut, fit, and staple batts of fiberglass insulation between wall studs and ceiling joists. Alternatively, some workers spray foam insulation with a compressor hose into the space being filled.
- Education Required
- There are no specific education requirements for floor, ceiling, and wall insulators. Mechanical insulators should have a high school diploma. High school courses in basic math, woodworking, mechanical drawing, algebra, and general science are considered helpful for all types of insulators.
- Training Required
- Most floor, ceiling, and wall insulators learn their trade on the job. New workers are provided basic instruction on installation as well as mandatory Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety training on handling insulation and asbestos. Insulators who install blown or sprayed insulation will work alongside more experienced workers to learn how to operate equipment before being tasked with leading a spray installation job.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 5% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Licenses/Certifications
- Insulation workers who remove and handle asbestos must be trained through a program accredited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Median pay: How much do Insulation Workers make?
- $39,280 Annual Salary
- $18.89 per hour
Careers for Insulation Workers
- Boiler coverers
- Ceiling insulation blowers
- Commercial insulators
- Composition weatherboard installers
- Cork insulation installers
- Cork insulators
- Heat and frost insulators
- Industrial insulators
- Insulation installers
- Insulation machine operators
- Insulation mechanics
- Insulators
- Interior surface insulation workers
- Mechanical insulators
- Pipe coverers
- Pipe insulators
- Refrigeration insulators
- Sheet metal insulators
- Wall insulation sprayers