Employers

Approximately 33,300 insulation workers are employed in the United States. Most insulators work for insulation contractors and other construction companies. Some work for wholesale and retail outlets, government agencies, the shipbuilding industry, and industries that use large amounts of heat, coolants, and power (such as utilities, chemical plants, nuclear power plants, and petroleum refineries). Some are self-employed.

The largest number of mechanical insulators are employed in Texas, Virginia, Louisiana, Florida, and Colorado. Floor, ceiling, and wall insulation workers can find the most jobs in Texas, California, Florida, Louisiana, and Washington. 

Starting Out

Aspiring insulation workers enter the field by applying to apprenticeship programs or by working as a helper to an experienced insulator. You can learn more about job opportunities by contacting an insulation contractor in your area or a local trade union.

Skilled insulation workers may advance to supervisory positions (such as foreman and shop superintendent) or become job estimators, who estimate the cost of an insulation job by analyzing the type and amount of insulation that is needed, the time it will take to complete the project, the difficulty level of the job, and other factors. Some may desire to enter business for themselves and become insulation contractors. Others may become instructors in apprenticeship training programs.

Participate in an apprenticeship training program that is sponsored by the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers. Visit http://www.insulators.org/union-directory for a list of programs in your area. 

Read Insulation Outlook (http://www.insulation.org/io) to learn more about the field.

Visit https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/insulator-jobs for job listings.