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Insulator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lead Staffing

Insulator

National City, CA

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

In this role, you will cut, fabricate, and apply insulation materials to bulkheads, overheads, piping, ducts, machinery, and equipment to minimize heat transfer, prevent moisture condensation, and ...

LEAD Staffing

Insulator

National City, CA

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

In this role, you will cut, fabricate, and apply insulation materials to bulkheads, overheads, piping, ducts, machinery, and equipment to minimize heat transfer, prevent moisture condensation, and ...

Rand Employment Solutions

Be Seen First

Heat & Frost Insulator

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Mid Cal Balor Solutions is looking for a Heat and Frost Insulator Full-Time, Nonexempt Pay Range: $20.00-$28.00 per hour BOE Position Summary The Heat and Frost Insulator installs insulation on ...

Senior plc

Insulator B

Burbank, CA · On-site

$43K/yr

Ability to perform high temperature thermal insulation fabrication. * Assembly operation in cutting metal foil and fiberglass insulation to size. * Hand forming such skins, making cut-outs, or ...

Senior plc

Insulator B

Burbank, CA · On-site

$43K/yr

Ability to perform high temperature thermal insulation fabrication. * Assembly operation in cutting metal foil and fiberglass insulation to size. * Hand forming such skins, making cut-outs, or ...

Senior plc

Insulator B

Burbank, CA · On-site

$43K/yr

Ability to perform high temperature thermal insulation fabrication. * Assembly operation in cutting metal foil and fiberglass insulation to size. * Hand forming such skins, making cut-outs, or ...

Senior plc

Insulator B

Burbank, CA · On-site

$43K/yr

Ability to perform high temperature thermal insulation fabrication. * Assembly operation in cutting metal foil and fiberglass insulation to size. * Hand forming such skins, making cut-outs, or ...

Senior plc

Insulator B

Burbank, CA · On-site

$45K/yr

Ability to perform high temperature thermal insulation fabrication. * Assembly operation in cutting metal foil and fiberglass insulation to size. * Hand forming such skins, making cut-outs, or ...

Senior plc

Insulator B

Burbank, CA

$45K/yr

Ability to perform high temperature thermal insulation fabrication. * Assembly operation in cutting metal foil and fiberglass insulation to size. * Hand forming such skins, making cut-outs, or ...

Iron Mechanical, Inc

HVAC Insulator

Napa, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

This role focuses on the installation of insulation for HVAC ductwork, piping, hydronic systems, and outdoor jacketing on commercial new-build projects. The ideal candidate has hands-on insulation ...

Senior plc

Insulator B

Burbank, CA

$45K/yr

Ability to perform high temperature thermal insulation fabrication. Assembly operation in cutting metal foil and fiberglass insulation to size. Hand forming such skins, making cut-outs, or punching ...

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All JobsInsulator JobsInsulator Jobs in California

Insulator information

See California salary details

$12

$24

$31

How much do insulator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for insulator in California is $24.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $26.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an insulator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Insulator, you need knowledge of insulation materials, installation techniques, and safety protocols, often gained through vocational training or an apprenticeship. Familiarity with hand and power tools, blueprint reading, and OSHA safety standards is typically required. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These qualifications are crucial to ensure quality insulation work, maintain workplace safety, and meet project deadlines efficiently.

What does an insulator do?

Insulators are skilled tradespeople who install and maintain materials that prevent the passage of heat, cold, sound, or fire. They work on various structures, including buildings, pipes, and ductwork, to improve energy efficiency and ensure safety. Their job often involves measuring, cutting, and fitting insulation materials, as well as sealing and securing them in place. Insulators play a crucial role in helping reduce energy costs and environmental impact for both residential and commercial properties.

What are some common challenges insulators face on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Insulators often work in environments that require attention to safety, such as confined spaces, elevated areas, or locations with extreme temperatures. Physical stamina and proper use of personal protective equipment are essential to mitigate risks like heat exhaustion or exposure to hazardous materials. Additionally, precise measurement and cutting skills are crucial to ensure materials fit correctly, which can be challenging in older buildings or irregular surfaces. Collaborating closely with other trades, such as HVAC technicians and electricians, is also important to coordinate schedules and avoid conflicts during installation.

What is the difference between Insulator vs Pipefitter?

AspectInsulatorPipefitter
Required CredentialsOSHA training, apprenticeship programs, sometimes certifications in insulationApprenticeship, OSHA training, sometimes pipefitting certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial plants, HVAC systemsPlumbing systems, industrial plants, construction sites
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, HVACPlumbing, mechanical, industrial

Insulators focus on installing and maintaining insulation materials to control temperature and energy efficiency, while pipefitters install and repair piping systems. Both roles often work in similar environments and require related certifications, but their specific tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

How much does an insulator make?

Insulators typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and union membership. Skilled insulators with certifications and specialized tools can earn higher wages, especially in construction or industrial settings with overtime opportunities.

Is being an insulator a good job?

Insulators install and replace thermal and acoustic insulation in buildings and industrial settings, often working outdoors or in confined spaces. The job can offer steady employment, especially with experience and certifications, and may involve physical labor and safety precautions. Compensation varies by region and experience level but generally provides a stable income with opportunities for advancement.
More about Insulator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Insulator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Insulator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Insulator jobs in California?

For Insulator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Insulator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Insulator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Insulator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Insulator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Insulator jobs in CA?

For Insulator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Insulator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Insulator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,450 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Insulator

National City, CA

Lead Staffing
See more jobs at Lead Staffingexternal

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Insulator
Location: Shipyard / Maritime Facility
Shift: 3rd Shift (40 hours/week; Overtime upon approval)
Position Type: Full-Time

Position Overview
We are seeking a skilled and safety-minded Insulation Improver to join our shipyard team. Operating with minimal supervision under the guidance of a supervisor or journeyman, you will perform the installation and removal of insulation on various components onboard vessels.
In this role, you will cut, fabricate, and apply insulation materials to bulkheads, overheads, piping, ducts, machinery, and equipment to minimize heat transfer, prevent moisture condensation, and deaden sound. Work spans all phases of ship repair and modernization across US Naval Vessels, Military Sealift Command, and commercial ships and barges.

Key Responsibilities
General Duties & Compliance
  • Safety First: Maintain strict compliance with OSHA standards, BAE best safety practices, and shipyard policies, ensuring work areas are kept clean and safe at all times.
  • Shift Expectations: Arrive on time, work assigned shifts/overtime, execute daily assignments, and provide clear status updates for shift turnover.
  • Technical Standards: Interpret and follow NAVSEA, ABS, Coast Guard standards, and manufacturer technical manuals to complete insulation tasks.
  • Quality & Reporting: Provide Objective Quality Evidence (OQE) as required. Assist with drafting Condition Found Reports (CFR) detailing material conditions and recommended corrective actions.
  • Leadership & Teamwork: Provide guidance and direction to assigned Helpers, communicate effectively with supervisors and journeymen, and foster a respectful work environment compliant with non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies.
Daily Work Tasks
  • Prepare work areas to ensure a safe environment.
  • Safely remove existing insulation and lagging remnants from ships as specified.
  • Cut to size and install all types of structural and piping insulation, including insulation pads.
  • Run and remove temporary lines and leads in compliance with safety standards.
  • Execute Lock-Out / Tag-Out procedures for assigned tasks.
Qualifications & Capabilities
  • Experience: Minimum of four (4) years of related insulation experience, with at least two (2) years in a maritime environment.
  • Trade Skills: Hands-on experience applying hullboard, Armaflex, Cal-sil, ventilation insulation, and insulation pads.
  • Tool Proficiency: Proven ability to safely operate trade-specific hand and power tools.
  • Shipyard Knowledge: Working knowledge of ship repair terminology and compartment location nomenclature.
  • Document Comprehension: Ability to understand instructions, technical drawings, schematics, and general correspondence.
  • Mathematics: Proficient in adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing whole numbers, fractions, and decimals (US customary system), alongside a basic understanding of the metric system.
  • PPE Capability: Physically and medically capable of wearing all required OSHA-mandated PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, goggles, respirator, safety harness, safety line, flotation gear, etc.).
Work Environment
Shipyard environments vary significantly depending on the assignment:
  • Conditions: Range from standard indoor spaces to outdoor sites subject to precipitation, wind, extreme heat/cold, and high humidity. Vessel interiors may be smoky, tight, cold/hot, or dimly lit.
  • Surroundings: Loud noise levels (especially inside vessels), heavy equipment operations, power tools, and potential hazards like falling objects or moving mechanical parts.
  • Spaces: Tasks occur in diverse settings—ranging from high platforms (scaffolds, ladders, mechanical lifts) to confined spaces accessible only through small manholes.
Physical Demands & Requirements
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Must be able to navigate all vessels, piers, docks, and shipyard work sites.
  • Lifting/Pushing/Pulling: Occasional (0–33%) lifting of 50–100 lbs; frequent (34–66%) lifting of up to 20 lbs.
  • Stamina & Agility: Prolonged standing (2–3 hours at a time); frequent bending, squatting, crouching, crawling, kneeling, and full extension of arms overhead, down, or to the side.
  • Heights & Confined Spaces: Ability to work at heights exceeding 12 feet (ladders, scaffolding, lifts) and enter/work in confined spaces via 18” x 36” openings for 33–66% of the shift.
  • Coordination & Balance: Excellent balance on uneven surfaces and obstacles; sufficient handgrip strength and tactile perception to safely maneuver tools and materials.
  • Sensory: Able to respond to visual, verbal, and audible commands/signals.