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Refinery Insulator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Multicraft Scaffold/Insulator

Alvin, TX · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

High school diploma or equivalent. * 3+ years of industrial construction or refinery experience. * Experience in scaffolding, insulation, and metal work. * Good problem-solving ability and reading ...

Rope Access Insulator

Joliet, IL · On-site

$28.37 - $45.67/hr

Position Summary Acuren is seeking a Rope Access Insulator to support operations in Joliet, IL ... Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery ...

Rope Access Insulator

Joliet, IL · On-site

$28.37 - $45.67/hr

Position Summary Acuren is seeking a Rope Access Insulator to support operations in Joliet, IL ... Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery ...

Acuren is seeking a Rope Access Insulator to support operations in Joliet, IL. THIS WILL BE A ... Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery ...

Journeyman - Insulation

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

An Insulator is responsible to perform duties involving all aspects of the installation, fitting ... CITGO - Corpus Christi Refinery Location of Job: US:TX:Corpus Christi Shift: Exempt: No Work Type ...

Rope Access Insulator

Port Arthur, TX · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

Must have industrial refinery experience * Must have mechanical industrial experience * Preferred individual with the NCCER certification (Trained Individual) Benefits * Competitive Salary * Medical ...

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Refinery Insulator information

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How much do refinery insulator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery insulator in the United States is $24.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $26.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do insulators do in refineries?

Refinery insulators install and maintain thermal insulation on pipes, tanks, and equipment to control temperature, improve energy efficiency, and prevent heat loss or transfer. They work in hazardous environments, often requiring safety training and the use of specialized tools to ensure proper insulation and safety standards.

How much do oil refiners make?

Refinery insulators, a key role in oil refineries, typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled insulators with specialized knowledge of insulation materials and safety protocols can earn higher wages, especially in high-demand areas or with overtime work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Refinery Insulator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Refinery Insulator, you need a solid understanding of insulation materials and application techniques, as well as a high school diploma or equivalent; completion of an apprenticeship is often preferred. Familiarity with tools like insulation knives, banding equipment, blueprint reading, and adherence to OSHA safety standards is essential. Attention to detail, physical stamina, teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency in maintaining temperature control and energy conservation within refinery operations.

What is the difference between Refinery Insulator vs Pipe Insulator?

AspectRefinery InsulatorPipe Insulator
CertificationsOSHA, OSHA 10/30, safety trainingOSHA, safety training
Work EnvironmentRefineries, chemical plants, industrial sitesIndustrial, commercial, and manufacturing facilities
Job FocusInsulating refinery equipment and tanksInsulating pipes and ductwork

Refinery Insulators and Pipe Insulators share similar certifications and safety requirements. However, Refinery Insulators focus on insulating refinery equipment and tanks in industrial settings, while Pipe Insulators primarily work on insulating pipes across various industries. Both roles require safety training and are essential for energy efficiency and safety in industrial environments.

Is being an insulator a good job?

Refinery insulators install and maintain thermal insulation on equipment to control temperature and improve safety in industrial settings. The job often requires physical labor, knowledge of insulation materials, and adherence to safety standards, with opportunities for overtime and union benefits. It can be a stable career for those with technical skills and a willingness to work in challenging environments.

Where do insulators get paid the most?

Refinery insulators tend to earn higher wages in regions with a strong oil and gas industry, such as parts of the Gulf Coast and certain Western states. Factors like experience, certifications, and working in remote or hazardous environments can also influence pay rates for insulators in the refining industry.

What are refinery insulators?

Refinery insulators are skilled workers responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining insulation on pipes, equipment, and structures in oil refineries and petrochemical plants. Their work helps control temperatures, prevent energy loss, and protect equipment from extreme heat or cold. They use a variety of materials such as fiberglass, foam, and mineral wool, and must follow strict safety protocols due to the hazardous environments in which they work. Refinery insulators play a critical role in ensuring operational efficiency and safety within the facility.

What are some common challenges faced by refinery insulators, and how can they be managed?

Refinery insulators often work in environments with extreme temperatures, confined spaces, and at heights, which can make the job physically demanding. Managing these challenges involves following strict safety protocols, wearing proper personal protective equipment, and staying up-to-date with safety training. Additionally, coordination with other trades and clear communication with supervisors help ensure efficient and safe project completion. Teamwork and attention to detail are crucial for handling insulation materials properly and maintaining a safe work environment.
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What job categories do people searching Refinery Insulator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery Insulator jobs are:
Rope Access Insulator

$20 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Acuren rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Position Summary

The IRATA / SPRAT Rope Access Insulator will be certified to work from the ropes at heights of 30 to 300 feet. Working in harness for extended periods of, Insulators are required to ascend and descend a variety of structures in order to remove, repair or install insulation on industrial equipment or piping.

Responsibilities

Support the efficient delivery of Insulation services by:

  • Selection, installation and securing insulation in accordance with technical specifications and piping or equipment configuration
  • Preparation of insulating material for application to diverse surfaces and complex layouts
  • Installation of vapour barriers and application of surface finishes such as metal cladding, canvas plastic sheeting or cement
  • Remove or neutralize asbestos insulation

Other work duties as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

  • Ability to read and understand complex instructions
  • Ability to do careful and exacting work
  • Consistently demonstrates an understanding of, and compliance with Client safety rules and requirements, responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, and Acuren Safety and Quality Management Systems, policies and procedures

EDUCATION:

  • The position requires a high school diploma or equivalency
  • NCCER Plus is required
  • Minimum 4 years of experience in the field, specific industry experience is preferred
  • Appropriate job-related safety certifications are required
  • TWIC card is required
  • Asbestos experience and State of Texas certification in Asbestos Removal a plus
  • English competency is required to read and interpret drawings and specifications to determine insulation solutions
Benefits
  • Competitive salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
  • 401K Plan
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
Working Conditions

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Extreme cold and extreme heat environmental conditions, in and near hazards to include proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places in excess of 100 feet, exposure to high heat, extreme cold, or exposure to chemicals, in conditions that affect the respiratory system or the skin such as fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.
  • Adaptable to changing schedules with willingness to travel regularly, including last minute and overnight travel. Must be willing to overtime.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS & DEMANDS: Describe the physical effort needed in order to perform the job, including and level of ongoing concentration and stress.

  • Ability to withstand physically demanding tasks in various environmental conditions including extreme temperatures, heights, and limited visibility for extended periods of time
  • Navigate industrial environments using rope systems and climbing equipment, requiring strong lower body mobility, balance, and mental strength for continuous concentration
  • Meet occupational vision and hearing requirements to safely perform essential job functions
  • Physical endurance such as climbing, balancing, stooping, bending, kneeling, bending, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting regularly
  • Ability to lift and carrying up to 30 pounds regularly, 60+ pounds on occasion
  • Ability to maneuver frequently within confined spaces, crawl spaces, shafts, small, enclosed rooms, pipelines, and other areas that may induce claustrophobia
  • Withstand loud noise and able to work long workdays of up to 16 consecutive hours in one day.
  • Physical stamina for extended periods of rope suspension
  • Manual dexterity for technical rope work and tool handling, with regular stress to hand and fingers
Company Overview

Acuren is a trusted, single source provider of technology-enabled asset protection solutions used to evaluate the structural integrity of critical energy, industrial and public infrastructures. Committed to delivering a Higher Level of Reliability, Acuren provides an unrivaled spectrum of capabilities including inspection, traditional and advanced NDE/NDT, failure analysis, rope access, materials engineering, field engineering, reliability engineering, drones, robotics, V-Deck and condition based monitoring services.

Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery, pipeline, power generation, pulp & paper, mining, pharmaceutical, aerospace and automotive industries. Acuren employs over 4,000 dedicated professionals supporting the mechanical integrity and inspection programs of the world's largest industrial segments.

Acuren is a market leader. Our formula for success is straightforward: be capable locally, with certified and well-equipped personnel supported by trained, experienced leaders. Continuing to build on a strong heritage of safety, quality and professionalism, Acuren strives to maintain incident free work environments, pursues advanced technical developments, and supports reliability programs that are valued by clients and employees.

#LI-MC1 Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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