Insulation Worker Apprenticeship
Insulation workers install the thermal and acoustic insulation that makes buildings energy-efficient and industrial equipment safe to work around. Residential work focuses on walls and attics; commercial and industrial adds pipe lagging and high-temp applications.
National Wage Spread
Annual wages for Insulation Workers across all experience levels, nationwide.
Insulation Worker Wages by State
Median annual wage for Insulation Workers by state, sorted highest to lowest. Click any state to see registered sponsors and local programs.
| State | Median Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $63,500 | 1,890 |
| Oregon | $62,830 | 680 |
| Nevada | $61,920 | 300 |
| Mississippi | $60,930 | 390 |
| Maryland | $58,870 | 890 |
| Maine | $58,750 | 360 |
| Massachusetts | $57,150 | 830 |
| Ohio | $56,640 | 1,290 |
| Minnesota | $56,050 | 1,120 |
| New Jersey | $55,770 | 1,060 |
| Wisconsin | $54,640 | 530 |
| Vermont | $52,000 | 80 |
| Indiana | $50,510 | 830 |
| Louisiana | $50,040 | 1,150 |
| North Dakota | $49,860 | 240 |
| Illinois | $49,840 | 1,060 |
| Montana | $49,770 | 510 |
| Washington | $49,760 | 1,070 |
| Missouri | $49,720 | 850 |
| Pennsylvania | $49,100 | 660 |
| Connecticut | $48,980 | 310 |
| Iowa | $48,960 | 340 |
| Colorado | $48,630 | 980 |
| Florida | $48,350 | 1,910 |
| Utah | $48,330 | 350 |
| Texas | $48,010 | 5,830 |
| Wyoming | $47,700 | 180 |
| Arizona | $47,570 | 660 |
| Alabama | $47,260 | 780 |
| Kansas | $46,710 | 460 |
| Delaware | $46,700 | — |
| Georgia | $45,900 | 750 |
| South Carolina | $45,880 | 420 |
| Oklahoma | $45,730 | 790 |
| Michigan | $45,700 | 740 |
| Kentucky | $45,340 | 530 |
| Arkansas | $45,220 | 340 |
| Tennessee | $45,170 | 1,460 |
| North Carolina | $45,150 | 1,280 |
| California | $44,620 | 2,190 |
| Nebraska | $44,560 | 220 |
| Virginia | $44,290 | — |
| New Mexico | $42,740 | 260 |
| New Hampshire | $42,390 | 140 |
| Idaho | $41,340 | 370 |
| Alaska | $40,330 | 110 |
| South Dakota | $40,190 | 250 |
| West Virginia | $37,780 | 100 |
Insulation Worker Apprenticeship Overview
At $48,680/yr median, the Insulation Worker trade combines strong wages with a proven apprenticeship pathway — 3 years of paid on-the-job training with no tuition cost. The model hasn't changed because it works.
Looking ahead, Insulation Worker employment is expected to grow 3.8% by 2034. About 3,400 openings per year — driven heavily by retirements in an aging workforce — keep demand for apprentices high.
Nationally, wages span from $35,950/yr at the 10th percentile to $77,160/yr at the 90th. Geography drives much of this spread — the same trade can pay 50%+ more in high-cost states compared to rural markets.
Prefer Trade School Instead?
Apprenticeships pay from day one, but some people prefer the classroom-first path. Insulation Workers also come up through trade school programs — shorter timeline, more upfront cost, and a credential before entering the workforce.
Or jump straight to a specific school: