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Workers must follow strict safety guidelines to protect themselves from the dangers of insulating irritants. Most insulation workers learn their work informally on the job; others complete formal apprenticeship programs. Job opportunities in the occupation are expected to be excellent.
Insulation workers combine their knowledge of insulation materials with the skills of cutting, fitting, and installing materials. Workers in occupations involving similar skills include carpenters; carpet, floor, and tile installers and finishers; drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers; roofers; and sheet metal workers.
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Insulation workers generally work indoors. They spend most of the workday on their feet, either standing, bending, or kneeling. Sometimes, they work from ladders or in tight spaces. The work requires more coordination than strength. Insulation work often is dusty and dirty, and the summer heat can make the insulation worker very uncomfortable.
Minute particles from insulation materials, especially when blown, can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Workers must follow strict safety guidelines to protect themselves from the dangers of insulating irritants. They keep work areas well ventilated; wear protective suits, masks, and respirators; and take decontamination showers when necessary.
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Insulation workers held about 53,000 jobs in 2002. The construction industry employed 4 out of 5 workers; most worked for building finishing contractors. Small numbers of insulation workers held jobs in the Federal Government, in wholesale trade, and in shipbuilding and other manufacturing industries that have extensive installations for power, heating, and cooling. Most worked in urban areas. In less populated areas, carpenters, heating and air-conditioning installers or drywall installers may do insulation work.
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In 2002, median hourly earnings of insulation workers were $13.91. The middle 50 percent earned between $10.58 and $18.36. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $8.45, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $26.29. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of insulation workers in 2002 are shown in the following tabulation:
Building equipment contractors $15.30
Building finishing contractors 12.97
Union workers tend to earn more than nonunion workers. Apprentices start at about one-half of the journey worker’s wage. Insulation workers doing commercial and industrial work earn substantially more than those working in residential construction, which does not require as much skill.
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