Insulation fitters may work in both residentail and commercial buildings.
Insulation plays a vital role in reducing the cost of electricity in buildings and requires workers to fit insulation material on the walls, floors, ceilings and in the piping of the building itself. Jobs for insulation fitters may be found in a variety of industries, many of which offer opportunities for advancement.
Floors, Ceilings and Walls
Insulation fitters may find jobs applying insulation in attics, basements and in the exterior walls of homes and buildings. This job typically requires using a hose to spray foam insulation onto flat surfaces, followed by installing drywall or applying a coat of plaster. When these fitters work on adding new insulation to old buildings, they must first remove the old insulation, which may include dealing with asbestos and requires safety training. The average salary of this type of insulation fitter was $36,120 as of May 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Mechanical
Mechanical insulation fitters deal with pipes, ductwork and other mechanical systems, applying insulation as a means of controlling temperature. This job involves measure and cutting insulation material to fit the pipes, then using adhesive, tape or bands to secure the material. The BLS reports that these insulation fitters earned an average salary of $42,620 as of 2010.
Qualifications
The minimum requirement for is a high school diploma, and courses in shop mathematics, woodworking and construction are particularly useful. Most insulation fitters are trained on the job, which the BLS reports can take up to four years. Those working on insulation in commercial buildings typically require less training than those working on residential buildings. Fitters interested in advancing may pursue voluntary certification from organizations such as the National Insulation Association. Depending upon his employer, an insulation fitter may advance into a supervisor position or move on to become an insulation contract estimator.
Outlook
The BLS predicts an employment rate increase of 17 percent between 2008 and 2018 in jobs for insulation fitters, a rate which is faster than the average for all jobs in the U.S. Because insulation fitters work mainly in construction industries, they may experience periods of unemployment in between projects. Those working in industrial plant maintenance have the most stable jobs of their profession due to the fact that repair and maintenance in these facilities are ongoing.
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