SOC 47-2132
Insulation Workers, Mechanical
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ46/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ25,640
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$57K
$39K โ $94K
Projected Growth
๐+4.7%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค10/100
Low exposure
๐ก Insulation Workers, Mechanical face a risk score of 46/100 โ 2 points above the national average of 44. With only 10/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $57K ($11K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 46/100, Insulation Workers, Mechanical faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like autonomous heavy equipment operation are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 25,640 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in real-time safety judgment in hazardous conditions and fine motor craftsmanship in custom installations to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Insulation Workers, Mechanical?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Autonomous heavy equipment operation
3D printing of building components
Drone-based site surveying and inspection
AI project scheduling and resource optimization
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Real-time safety judgment in hazardous conditions
Fine motor craftsmanship in custom installations
Client-facing consultation on custom project needs
Navigating unpredictable and unstructured job sites
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Measure and cut insulation for covering surfaces, using tape measures, handsaws, knives, and scissors.
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.
Select appropriate insulation, such as fiberglass, Styrofoam, or cork, based on the heat retaining or excluding characteristics of the material.
Fit insulation around obstructions, and shape insulating materials and protective coverings as required.
Determine the amounts and types of insulation needed, and methods of installation, based on factors such as location, surface shape, and equipment use.
๐ป Technology Skills
Data base user interface and query software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Analytical or scientific software
Project management software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Building and Construction
Customer and Personal Service
Mechanical
Administration and Management
Education and Training
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 57% |
| Electricians | 32 | $62K | 73% |
| Supervisors of Construction and Extraction Workers | 33 | $79K | 71% |