Insulation workers, mechanical
SOC Code: 47-2132
Insulation workers, mechanical carries a 24% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $57,250 and +4.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 27,200 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Insulation workers, mechanical (SOC 47-2132) carries an AI exposure score of 24%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 27,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.7% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $57,250, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Insulation workers, mechanical. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Measure and cut insulation for covering surfaces, using tape measures, handsaws, knives, and scissors.
- 2. 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.
- 3. Select appropriate insulation, such as fiberglass, Styrofoam, or cork, based on the heat retaining or excluding characteristics of the material.
- 4. Fit insulation around obstructions, and shape insulating materials and protective coverings as required.
- 5. Determine the amounts and types of insulation needed, and methods of installation, based on factors such as location, surface shape, and equipment use.
- 6. Cover, seal, or finish insulated surfaces or access holes with plastic covers, canvas strips, sealants, tape, cement, or asphalt mastic.
- 7. Install sheet metal around insulated pipes with screws to protect the insulation from weather conditions or physical damage.
- 8. Read blueprints and specifications to determine job requirements.
- 9. Prepare surfaces for insulation application by brushing or spreading on adhesives, cement, or asphalt, or by attaching metal pins to surfaces.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Coordination
- Time Management
- Speaking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Operations Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Building and Construction
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Design
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Insulation workers, mechanical?
Insulation workers, mechanical has an AI exposure score of 24%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Insulation workers, mechanical?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Insulation workers, mechanical is projected to grow by 4.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 27,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Insulation workers, mechanical?
Key skills for Insulation workers, mechanical include Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Insulation workers, mechanical earn?
The median annual wage for Insulation workers, mechanical is $57,250, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Insulation workers, mechanical?
The typical entry-level education for Insulation workers, mechanical is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Apprenticeship. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Insulation workers, mechanical?
Insulation workers, mechanical roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 9 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).