Insulators
(NOC 7293)
in All Trades and TransportationInsulators (heat and frost) install insulating materials in commercial and industrial structures and remove existing insulating materials like asbestos. They work for construction companies and insulation contractors, or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
Size of the occupation in Nova Scotia: small, with infrequent opportunities.
Demand: A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
Hourly Pay
$17.00
Minimum$35.00
Median$41.22
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,198
Minimum$39,576
Median$91,062
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$24.00
Median$37.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Insulators (heat and frost) install insulating materials in commercial and industrial structures and remove existing insulating materials like asbestos. They work for construction companies and insulation contractors, or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Insulators:
- Read and interpret drawings and specifications to determine insulation requirements and select type of insulation required.
- Measure and cut insulating material to required dimensions using hand and power tools.
- Apply and secure insulation using spraying, blowing, pasting, strapping, taping and other application and installation methods.
- Fit insulation around obstructions and between studs and joists.
- Install vapour barriers.
- Apply waterproofing cement over insulating materials to finish surfaces.
- Remove asbestos or urea-formaldehyde insulation from buildings when required.
Sample job titles
- apprentice insulator
- boiler and pipe insulator
- fibreglass insulation installer
- insulation installer
- insulation mechanic
- insulator
- refrigeration and air conditioning equipment insulator
- soundproof material installer
Skills
- Precision
- Manual dexterity
- Strength and stamina
- Agility to work in cramped spaces
- Comfort with heights and working in hot and cold environments
- Ability to work alone or as part of a team
Job requirements
- High school or equivalent (usually).
- Training through a 7,200-hour apprenticeship program with four apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
- Trade Qualifier option, 10,800 hours, and other criteria.
- Certification for insulators (heat and frost) is voluntary in Nova Scotia.
- Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for insulators (heat and frost).
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.
Other considerations
- Insulators can work indoors and outdoors, often in extreme temperatures. They may work in confined spaces, on ladders or scaffolding, or with itchy or toxic materials. They may be required to travel. Lifting and moving heavy items is often required.
- Their work schedules depend on the type of work they are doing, ranging from regular work weeks, to shift work or irregular work hours. Schedules may depend on the availability of contracts, or inconvenience or health risks to adjacent workers or the public.
- Removing old insulating materials like asbestos, ceramic fibers, lead, and mold is also part of the trade. Special training and licenses may be required to deal with these types of materials.
- Spraying insulating materials and installing fireproofing and fire stop systems are also specialized parts of the trade.
- Risks include falls from working at heights, injuries from power tools and exposure to toxic materials Tradespeople observe safety precautions and use equipment like respirators, coveralls, and safety glasses or goggles.
- Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program are completed.
- Jobs in the construction industry are affected by seasonal changes and economic conditions. Work may be on a project basis. Workers should be prepared for periods of unemployment.
- Experienced insulators may act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They can also move into positions like maintenance, instructor, contractor, foreperson, superintendent, or estimator.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$39,188 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$41,705 median annual incomeCape Breton
$74,360 median annual incomeSouthern
N/AAnnapolis Valley
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Public administration
Other services (except public administration)
Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
45-54
15-24
55-64
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Trade Certification
$71,359 median annual incomeHigh school
$37,806 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$48,651 median annual incomeLess than high school
$19,901 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Insulator
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply insulation materials to pipes, boilers, ducts, refrigeration systems, and related equipment to reduce the passage of heat, cold, sound, or fire. They include courses in insulation specifications, measuring and cutting insulating material, applying and securing insulation, installing vapour barriers, insulation system maintenance, asbestos removal and abatement, and safety training.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, but a certificate is not needed to legally work in this trade.