O*NET-SOC 47-2132.00 / model V11 rated-task engine

Will AI replace
Insulation Workers, Mechanical?

Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.

Estimated AI task exposure

Low exposure

V11 weights occupation tasks using O*NET Importance, Relevance and Frequency ratings instead of treating every task equally.

9 tasks have usable Task Rating records; weighted-task coverage is 100%.

Digital/info work

15/100

Physical moat

79/100

Human moat

15/100

Rating coverage

100%

9 task statements / 9 rated

Highest-weighted occupation tasks

Measure and cut insulation for covering surfaces, using tape measures, handsaws, knives, and scissors.

Importance 92/100Relevance 100/100Frequency 91/100Weight 0.95

Fit insulation around obstructions, and shape insulating materials and protective coverings as required.

Importance 84/100Relevance 100/100Frequency 77/100Weight 0.89

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.

Importance 86/100Relevance 97/100Frequency 68/100Weight 0.86

Select appropriate insulation, such as fiberglass, Styrofoam, or cork, based on the heat retaining or excluding characteristics of the material.

Importance 85/100Relevance 96/100Frequency 71/100Weight 0.86

Determine the amounts and types of insulation needed, and methods of installation, based on factors such as location, surface shape, and equipment use.

Importance 82/100Relevance 98/100Frequency 70/100Weight 0.85

Cover, seal, or finish insulated surfaces or access holes with plastic covers, canvas strips, sealants, tape, cement, or asphalt mastic.

Importance 80/100Relevance 96/100Frequency 67/100Weight 0.83

Read blueprints and specifications to determine job requirements.

Importance 80/100Relevance 95/100Frequency 55/100Weight 0.79

Prepare surfaces for insulation application by brushing or spreading on adhesives, cement, or asphalt, or by attaching metal pins to surfaces.

Importance 78/100Relevance 93/100Frequency 52/100Weight 0.77

Install sheet metal around insulated pipes with screws to protect the insulation from weather conditions or physical damage.

Importance 80/100Relevance 85/100Frequency 40/100Weight 0.72

Task weighting

Each rated task receives a composite weight: 38% relevance, 37% importance and 25% frequency. Core tasks receive a small additional multiplier. Low-precision rows flagged by O*NET for suppression are excluded.

Occupation scoring

When rating coverage is strong, rated tasks contribute 60% of the digital, physical and human task signals and Work Activities contribute 40%. Lower-coverage occupations automatically rely more on Work Activities.

U.S. labor market

BLS Wage & Employment Outlook

Median annual wage

$58,340

BLS OEWS May 2025

National employment

25,660

BLS OEWS May 2025

Projected growth

+5.1%

BLS Employment Projections 2025–2035

Average annual openings

2

BLS Employment Projections 2025–2035

BLS labor-market figures are separate from the site's AI-exposure model. Missing values mean a compatible detailed BLS occupation estimate was not published or could not be mapped.

Career pivot radar

Safer Career Alternatives

These options are selected from the same 923-occupation model. They favor a similar task/work profile with meaningfully lower estimated AI exposure. They are suggestions for exploration, not guarantees of job fit.

SAFER ALTERNATIVE