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Insulator vs insulation installer

The differences between insulators and insulation installers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an insulator has an average salary of $39,721, which is higher than the $32,912 average annual salary of an insulation installer.

The top three skills for an insulator include safety procedures, tape measure and ladders. The most important skills for an insulation installer are OSHA, safety guidelines, and ladders.

Insulator vs insulation installer overview

InsulatorInsulation Installer
Yearly salary$39,721$32,912
Hourly rate$19.10$15.82
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs5,91015,912
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 55%High School Diploma, 55%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does an insulator do?

Insulators are insulation workers who are in charge of covering ducts, boilers, pipes, and other structures and equipment with insulating materials. The insulators ensure the retention of either cold or heat. They assist the journeymen with tasks that involve air ducts, cooling, and heating systems. It is part of their duty to remove urea-formaldehyde or asbestos insulation from buildings and other structures. They make sure that the journeymen have all the necessary things in hand for a certain project.

What does an insulation installer do?

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. They offer the best services according to the client's specifications to ensure that the insulation materials are of the highest quality standards. An insulation installer must have excellent time-management and multi-tasking skills to meet demands and perform adjustments as required.

Insulator vs insulation installer salary

Insulators and insulation installers have different pay scales, as shown below.

InsulatorInsulation Installer
Average salary$39,721$32,912
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $50,000Between $24,000 And $44,000
Highest paying CityLancaster, NYSacramento, CA
Highest paying stateNew YorkCalifornia
Best paying companyJacobs Engineering GroupClyde Companies
Best paying industry-Construction

Differences between insulator and insulation installer education

There are a few differences between an insulator and an insulation installer in terms of educational background:

InsulatorInsulation Installer
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 55%High School Diploma, 55%
Most common majorBusinessGeneral Studies
Most common college--

Insulator vs insulation installer demographics

Here are the differences between insulators' and insulation installers' demographics:

InsulatorInsulation Installer
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 90.0% Female, 10.0%Male, 95.3% Female, 4.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 33.9% Asian, 2.3% White, 48.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 27.6% Asian, 2.2% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between insulator and insulation installer duties and responsibilities

Insulator example 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.
  • Show more

Insulation installer example responsibilities.

  • Manage telecommunications, data and CCTV equipment.
  • Apply aluminum and PVC jacketing to insulation.
  • Install insulation and metal, chemical plants, juice plants, asphalt plants ,
  • Climb stairs and ladders; work in crawl spaces, and stand for long periods.
  • Use tyvex suits and respirators.
  • Read blueprintsset up hoisting equipment.
  • Show more

Insulator vs insulation installer skills

Common insulator skills
  • Safety Procedures, 8%
  • Tape Measure, 7%
  • Ladders, 7%
  • Asphalt, 6%
  • Mechanical Systems, 5%
  • Storage Tanks, 5%
Common insulation installer skills
  • OSHA, 19%
  • Safety Guidelines, 17%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • DOT, 9%
  • Scaffolding, 7%
  • Hand Tools, 7%

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