What does an insulation contractor do
Emily Wilson
Updated on April 19, 2026
According to Energy Star, an insulation contractor is a specialized contractor who installs thermal insulation. They can specialize in one type of insulation, such as fiberglass, cellulose, or spray foam, or install more than one type.
Is installing insulation hard job?
The work tends to be physically challenging, requiring bending in tight spaces, and it’s not for the claustrophobic. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 2.9 percent employment growth for insulation contractors between 2019 and 2029.
How do you become a journeyman insulator?
To be certified as a Heat and Frost Insulator, you usually need to complete a four-year apprenticeship program. Once you successfully complete the required on-the-job training, technical training and exams, you are awarded a journeyperson certificate.
What should I look for in an insulation contractor?
- Knows about insulation and the home as a system. …
- Recommends air sealing when necessary. …
- Understands the best type of insulation to use, and knows whether injection foam, spray foam, batts or rigid panel insulation is ideal for your home. …
- Offers professional installation.
What are the best construction jobs?
- Construction Manager. #1 in Best Construction Jobs. …
- Plumber. #2 in Best Construction Jobs. …
- Electrician. #3 in Best Construction Jobs. …
- Solar Photovoltaic Installer. #4 in Best Construction Jobs. …
- Glazier. #5 in Best Construction Jobs. …
- Equipment Operator. #6 in Best Construction Jobs. …
- Painter. …
- Sheet Metal Worker.
Is insulating a trade?
Floor, ceiling, and wall insulators typically learn their trade on the job. Mechanical insulators may complete an apprenticeship program after earning a high school diploma or equivalent. The median annual wage for insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall was $41,690 in May 2020.
How much do pipe insulators make?
Annual SalaryWeekly PayTop Earners$52,500$1,00975th Percentile$43,000$826Average$38,490$74025th Percentile$31,500$605
Which contractors make the most money?
- Boilermaker ($65,360) …
- Construction and building inspector ($62,860) …
- Electrician ($56,900) …
- Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters ($56,330) …
- Ironworkers ($53,210) …
- Sheet metal workers ($51,370) …
- Carpenters ($49,520) …
- Construction equipment operators ($49,100)
What do heat and Frost Insulators do?
Insulators apply insulation to pipes, tanks, boilers, ducts, refrigeration equipment and other surfaces requiring thermal control of temperatures.
What are the highest paid contractors?- Building Engineer (Average salary: $25.71 per hour) …
- Electrician (Average salary: $25.26 per hour) …
- Plumber (Average salary: $25.07 per hour) …
- Construction inspector (Average salary: $23.97 per hour) …
- Ironworker (Average salary: $20.09 per hour)
What is the most lucrative construction trade?
1. Elevator Installers and Repairer. Elevator installation and repair workers earn the highest pay in the construction and extraction occupations by over $20,000 a year. In addition to elevators, they install and repair escalators, moving walkways and other lifts for people and products.
What is the average pay for a insulator?
StateAnnual SalaryMonthly PayColorado$44,141$3,678California$44,141$3,678Delaware$43,791$3,649Vermont$43,785$3,649
What is a journeyman insulator?
A journeyman measures, cuts and fabricates materials for insulation application to bulkheads, overheads, piping, ducts, machinery, and equipment to minimize heat transfer, prevent moisture…
What type of pipe insulation is best?
For many residential plumbing applications a PE pipe insulation product like Tubolit® and Tundra® is the perfect option. Economical and easy to install, PE foam insulation will prevent pipes from freezing and keep hot pipes hot and cold pipes cold.
What do union insulators make?
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $86,000 and as low as $20,000, the majority of Union Insulator salaries currently range between $31,500 (25th percentile) to $52,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $70,000 annually across the United States.
How much do spray foam insulators make?
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $63,500 and as low as $19,500, the majority of Spray Foam Insulation salaries currently range between $29,000 (25th percentile) to $46,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $55,500 annually across the United States.
What is an insulator trade?
Insulators (heat and frost) apply, remove and repair thermal and acoustical insulation (e.g. calcium silicate, glass foam, mineral wool, Styrofoam, fibreglass) on all types of commercial and industrial equipment (e.g. duct piping, heat exchangers, tanks, vessels).
How do I get rich in construction?
- Get better at bidding on jobs. Bidding on jobs takes time but it’s important. …
- Get the most out of your crew. …
- Consider the total cost of tools and equipment, not just the purchase price. …
- Care for your tools. …
- Waste less material.
How do you become a millionaire in the construction industry?
- Focused on Purpose and Priorities. People who know where they are going, have clear direction and purpose in their personal and professional lives. …
- Big Written Goals. …
- Strong Management Team. …
- Regular Accountability Meetings. …
- Invest in Yourself! …
- Don’t Sell Low Price! …
- Multiple Streams of Income. …
- Give More!
Can general contractors make millions?
It isn’t unusual for self-employed contractors and other business owners to earn six figures or more in California. In fact, some graduates of CSLS that start companies and hire others to work for them make a lot more money than that.
Why do construction workers make so much money?
The more demand for skilled laborers, the more money construction workers stand to make. Other factors that help determine construction worker salaries in the United States include education, experience, and area of interest.
How much more should you get paid as a contractor?
Here’s a numerical example: If you earned an $80,000 salary at your last job, tacking on 30% more to cover the benefits adds another $24,000, bringing your contractor salary to $104,000. Step 3: Divide your total by 2,000 hours (which assumes you’re working 40 hours per week for 50 weeks).
How do you become a pipe insulator?
Becoming a pipe insulator does not require a college degree; most pipe insulators begin with a high school diploma or GED certificate, followed by an apprenticeship. Many unions and contractors sponsor apprenticeship programs, with programs lasting between four and five years.
How thick does pipe insulation need to be?
The thickness of your pipe should also determine the thickness of the insulation material. For pipes that are about 3″ or smaller, the insulation should be 1″ thick. For those that are 8 inches and above, the insulation should be 1-1/2″ – 2″ thick.
How much does pipe insulation help?
Insulating your hot water pipes reduces heat loss and can raise water temperature 2°F–4°F hotter than uninsulated pipes can deliver, allowing you to lower your water temperature setting. You also won’t have to wait as long for hot water when you turn on a faucet or showerhead, which helps conserve water.
Does pipe insulation stop condensation?
We can prevent condensation from occurring by insulating the pipe with enough insulation to keep the air around the pipe from dropping below the dew point. … It depends on the dew point of the air, which fluctuates according to the ambient temperature and the relative humidity.