1

Insulator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Tidewater Staffing is currently seeking Insulators for work in Newport News, VA, Chesapeake, VA, Portsmouth, VA, and Norfolk, VA shipyards. Responsibilities: * Insulators are responsible for the ...

Insulator

Norfolk, VA

$20.25 - $26.50/hr

Marine Insulation Mechanics work with thermal insulation materials to protect piping systems, ventilation systems, engines, and mechanical equipment in accordance with shipyard specifications and ...

Insulator

Chesapeake, VA

$20.50 - $26.75/hr

Tidewater Staffing is currently seeking Insulators for work in Newport News, VA, Chesapeake, VA, Portsmouth, VA, and Norfolk, VA shipyards. Responsibilities: * Insulators are responsible for the ...

Insulator 001

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

Job Overview Avail Staffing has an IMMEDIATE need for skilled Marine Insulators to join our team. This position is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of insulation systems ...

Insulator

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Removing/Insulating of portable insulation pads associated with U.S. Naval Surface Ship and Submarine platforms in accordance with the requirements of NAVSEA Standard Item 009-11. * Possessing ...

Marine Insulator

Portsmouth, VA

$20.25 - $26.50/hr

We are currently seeking skilled Marine Insulators for a potential 5-year project in Norfolk, VA. This opportunity involves hands-on labor working at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, offering a dynamic ...

Marine Insulator

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$27 - $28/hr

We are currently seeking skilled Marine Insulators for a potential 5-year project in Norfolk, VA. This opportunity involves hands-on labor working at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, offering a dynamic ...

Be Seen First

Insulator Helper

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

he Insulation Installer will remove, repair, and install various types of insulation, including fiberglass batt and blown-in insulation, in residential attics, crawlspaces, and other designated work ...

Be Seen First

Insulator Helper

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

he Insulation Installer will remove, repair, and install various types of insulation, including fiberglass batt and blown-in insulation, in residential attics, crawlspaces, and other designated work ...

Marine Insulator

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$27 - $28/hr

We are currently seeking skilled Marine Insulators for a potential 5-year project in Norfolk, VA. This opportunity involves hands-on labor working at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, offering a dynamic ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Insulator information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$24

$31

How much do insulator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for insulator in Virginia is $24.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.00 and $26.20 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.

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

The most popular types of Insulator jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Insulator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Insulator job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Insulator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,681 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

$40K - $57K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Tidewater Staffing is currently seeking Insulators for work in Newport News, VA, Chesapeake, VA, Portsmouth, VA, and Norfolk, VA shipyards.
Responsibilities:

  • Insulators are responsible for the installation and/or removal of insulation of any component onboard ships in various stages of repair and modernization.
  • Measures, cuts and/or fabricates materials for insulation application to bulkheads, overheads, piping, ducts, machinery and equipment to reduce loss or absorption of heat, prevent moisture condensation, and to deaden sound.
  • Performs related tasks as assigned some of which may become essential to the position.

Required Skills and Education:

  • 1-5 years' experience in all facets of lagging and insulation.
  • Must have knowledge of many different types of insulation and its appropriate use.
  • Basic math and measuring skills; fabrication and installation of removable covers; reading specifications and blueprint; cutting miters for all piping insulation.
  • Must comply with Company safety rules and OSHA standards.
  • Must be able to use hand tools, power tools and shop machinery safely and efficiently.

Tidewater Staffing logo

About Tidewater Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1992, Tidewater Staffing, Inc. (TSI) has been providing unrivaled workforce solutions for our clients in the ship repair, warehousing, and light industrial/manufacturing industries. Through the years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to solving staffing challenges efficiently, economically, and with integrity by embodying our mission statement: “Put people to work. Do the right thing every day.” Our deep industry experience and established local presence allow us to maintain a consistent, updated, and expansive network of skilled candidates, and our proprietary digital onboarding process. When you partner with Tidewater Staffing, you get employees who are trained, screened, supplied, and access to our proprietary digital onboarding process.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Virginia Beach, VA, US

Year founded

1992