Occupation AtlasInsulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall

O*NET · 47-2131.00

Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall

Line and cover structures with insulating materials. May work with batt, roll, or blown insulation materials.

Also called Air Conditioning Insulation Installer · Attic Blower · Blower Insulator · Ceiling Insulation Blower · Composition Weatherboard Installer · Construction Insulation Installer · Containment Worker · Cork Insulation Installer
35 more

Cork Insulation Setter · Cork Insulator · Dampproofer · Fiberglass Insulation Installer · Firestop Worker · Firestopper Installer · Firestopper Technician · Hose Handler · Hoseman · Installer · Insulation Blower · Insulation Engineman · Insulation Estimator · Insulation Hoseman · Insulation Installer · Insulation Machine Operator · Insulation Mechanic · Insulation Nozzleman · Insulation Power Unit Tender · Insulation Professional · Insulation Sprayer · Insulation Technician · Insulation Worker · Insulation Worker Furnace Installer · Insulator · Interior Surface Insulation Worker · Refrigeration Plant Cork Insulator · Retrofit Installer · Rock Wool Applicator · Rock Wool Insulator · Spray Foam Applicator · Spray Foam Installer · Thermal Insulator · Wall Insulation Sprayer · Warehouse Insulation Worker

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Fence Erectors

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.78
  • C Conventional3.97
  • I Investigative1.78
  • A Artistic1.30
  • S Social1.05
  • E Enterprising1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma29%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent68%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate2%
Related work experience
None (38%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (26%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (18%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operation and ControlImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Operations MonitoringImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Time ManagementImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
Show the other 23
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • PersuasionImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • NegotiationImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Service OrientationImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • TroubleshootingImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • InstructingImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Equipment SelectionImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • MathematicsbasicImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • WritingbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • RepairingImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Equipment MaintenanceImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Systems AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operations AnalysisImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • InstallationImportance 1.3Level —
  • ProgrammingImportance 1.0Level —
  • SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —

Tasks

10 core

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Measure and cut insulation for covering surfaces, using tape measures, handsaws, power saws, knives, or scissors.Importance 4.0
  2. Cover and line structures with blown or rolled forms of materials to insulate against cold, heat, or moisture, using saws, knives, rasps, trowels, blowers, or other tools and implements.Importance 4.0
  3. Fit, wrap, staple, or glue insulating materials to structures or surfaces, using hand tools or wires.Importance 4.0
  4. Distribute insulating materials evenly into small spaces within floors, ceilings, or walls, using blowers and hose attachments, or cement mortars.Importance 3.9
  5. Move controls, buttons, or levers to start blowers and regulate flow of materials through nozzles.Importance 3.9
  6. Fill blower hoppers with insulating materials.Importance 3.8
  7. Cover, seal, or finish insulated surfaces or access holes with plastic covers, canvas strips, sealants, tape, cement or asphalt mastic.Importance 3.7
  8. Read blueprints, and select appropriate insulation, based on space characteristics and the heat retaining or excluding characteristics of the material.Importance 3.6
  9. Prepare surfaces for insulation application by brushing or spreading on adhesives, cement, or asphalt, or by attaching metal pins to surfaces.Importance 3.4
  10. Remove old insulation, such as asbestos, following safety procedures.Importance 3.4

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Building and ConstructionImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.0Level 2.8
  • MechanicalImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • English LanguageImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • TransportationImportance 2.6Level 2.7
  • MathematicsImportance 2.5Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.5Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
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  • DesignImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Education and TrainingImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 2.2Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • PhysicsImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • AdministrativeImportance 1.8Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • PsychologyImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • ChemistryImportance 1.5Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 1.5Level —
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.4Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 1.4Level —
  • Communications and MediaImportance 1.2Level —
  • GeographyImportance 1.2Level —
  • BiologyImportance 1.1Level —
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.1Level —
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.1Level —
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.1Level —
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.1Level —
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.1Level —
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.0Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
  • Manual DexterityImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.3Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Control PrecisionImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • VisualizationImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
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  • Depth PerceptionImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Finger DexterityImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Near VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.0Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
  • StaminaImportance 3.0Level 2.8
  • Static StrengthImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Information OrderingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Reaction TimeImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Response OrientationImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • OriginalityImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • MemorizationImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Rate ControlImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Written ExpressionImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Time SharingImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Night VisionImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.5Level 0.8
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.4Level 0.8

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 4.3Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 4.0Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 3.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Getting InformationImportance 3.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.5Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.3Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.1Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.1Level 2.6
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.8
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 2.8Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.8Level 2.7
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 2.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.7Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.7Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.6Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
  • Processing InformationImportance 2.5Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Calculate the costs for shipping packages
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.4Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.2Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.2Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.2Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Working with ComputersImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Spend Time Standing4.6
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.3
  • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection4.3
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.2
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.1
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures4.0
  • Time Pressure4.0
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.0
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings3.9
  • Freedom to Make Decisions3.9

Technology

8 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (4)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Windows
Other tools (4)
  • CMSN FieldPAK
  • Comput-Ability Mechanical Insulation Key Estimator
  • North American Insulation Manufacturers Association NAIMA 3E Plus
  • Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal

Related occupations

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ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.