How to hire an insulator

How to hire an insulator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step insulator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an insulator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new insulator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an insulator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The insulator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect insulator also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   The following list breaks down different types of insulators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Insulator	Description	Hourly rate
   Insulator	Insulation workers install and replace the materials used to insulate buildings to help control and maintain the temperatures in buildings.	$14-24
   Insulation Installer	An insulation installer is responsible for inspecting the building premises to install materials needed for insulation as a way to regulate heat resistance and increase the efficiency of air conditioning systems. Insulation installers work with construction management to provide reports and cost expectations... Show more	$11-21

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Safety Procedures
   • Tape Measure
   • Ladders
   • Asphalt
   • Mechanical Systems
   • Storage Tanks
   • Heat Exchangers
   • Install Insulation
   • Safety Rules
   • Control Noise
   • Caulking
   • Foam Insulation
   • Pipe Insulation
   • Handsaws

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Prepare surfaces for insulation application, brushing or spreading on adhesive cement or asphalt.
   • Assist journeymen with insulation of pipes, air ducts, heating and cooling systems.
   • Involve insulating chill, hot water, and cryogenic plumbing as well as HVAC ducts in refineries and commercial buildings.
   • Maintain & follow all OSHA requirements and standards.
   • Ensure all journeymen have everything they need for the project.
   • Conduct jobsite safety analysis (JSA) recognize hazards and ensure they are addressed.

   More insulator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the insulator job description is a good way to get more applicants. An insulator salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for an insulator in Nevada may be lower than in New York, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level insulator. Additionally, an insulator with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average insulator salary

   $39,721yearly

   $19.10 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level insulator salary

   $31,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

   Average insulator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	New York	$47,113	$23
   2	Virginia	$47,063	$23
   3	California	$46,278	$22
   4	Pennsylvania	$43,631	$21
   5	Washington	$43,070	$21
   6	Oklahoma	$42,338	$20
   7	Illinois	$42,211	$20
   8	Iowa	$41,164	$20
   9	Ohio	$37,700	$18
   10	South Carolina	$37,061	$18
   11	Florida	$36,945	$18
   12	Colorado	$36,928	$18
   13	Georgia	$35,962	$17
   14	Wisconsin	$34,355	$17
   15	Texas	$34,229	$16
   16	Alabama	$29,946	$14
   17	North Carolina	$29,769	$14
   18	Hawaii	$28,109	$14
   19	Montana	$26,500	$13
   20	Louisiana	$26,115	$13

   Average insulator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Jacobs Engineering Group	$59,714	$28.71
   2	Johnson Controls	$50,466	$24.26	25
   3	Zachry Group	$47,058	$22.62	14
   4	General Dynamics	$46,799	$22.50	3
   5	Zachry Construction	$46,403	$22.31	14
   6	Four Seasons	$46,060	$22.14	6
   7	University of Wisconsin System	$43,811	$21.06
   8	Amarr	$43,799	$21.06	2
   9	Dover	$43,635	$20.98	1
   10	danos	$43,311	$20.82	2
   11	Christman	$39,989	$19.23
   12	BAE Systems	$39,588	$19.03	5
   13	HKA Enterprises	$39,372	$18.93	1
   14	Safway Group Holding LLC	$39,089	$18.79
   15	Acuren	$38,819	$18.66	1
   16	Bollinger Shipyards	$38,711	$18.61	2
   17	Primoris Services	$38,672	$18.59	12
   18	Tradesmen International	$38,662	$18.59	34
   19	Brand Energy Solutions LLC	$38,613	$18.56
   20	EMCOR Group	$38,553	$18.54	23

4. Writing an insulator job description

   A job description for an insulator role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's an insulator job description:

   Insulator job description example

   Looking for an opportunity to work for a company that offers outstanding Benefits? BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair Division may be the answer. We are presently hiring for multiple openings in our Insulation Department.
   
   Insulators are responsible for the installation and/or removal of insulation of any component onboard ships in various stages of repair and modernization. Measures, cuts and/or fabricates materials for insulation application to bulkheads, overheads, piping, ducts, machinery and equipment to reduce loss or absorption of heat, prevent moisture condensation, and to deaden sound. Performs related tasks as assigned some of which may become essential to the position.
   
   Required Education, Experience, & Skills · 1-4 years' experience in all facets of lagging and insulation in the commercial and or Industrial Environment.
   * Must have knowledge of many different types of insulation and its appropriate use
   * Basic math and measuring skills; fabrication and installation of removable covers; reading specifications and blueprint; cutting miters for all piping insulation.
   * Must comply with Company safety rules and OSHA standards.
   * Must be able to obtain and maintain a DBIDS pass.
   * Must be able to use hand tools, power tools and shop machinery safely and efficiently
   * Must be flexible to working all shifts (1st, 2nd)
   * Must have own tools
   
   Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills · 1-4 years' experience in all facets of lagging on military or commercial vessels.
   
   * Knowledge of piping systems, ship layout, layout patterns for hull boards and lagging materials
   * Knowledge of application of insulation on board ships for types of piping, machinery and ventilation systems
   * Knowledge of asbestos abatement helpful About BAE Systems Platforms & Services The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and naval ship repair…just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.We celebrate the array of skills, experiences, and perspectives our employees bring to the table. For us, differences are a source of strength. We're laser-focused on high performance, and we work hard every day to nurture an inclusive culture where all employees can innovate and thrive. Here, you will not only build your career, but you will also enjoy work-life balance, uncover new experiences, and collaborate with passionate colleagues.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find insulators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your insulator job on Zippia to find and recruit insulator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as constructionjobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting insulators requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new insulator

   Once you've found the insulator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new insulator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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