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Insulation & Air Sealing Technician

Work with your hands in a high-value, high-demand trade

Back to Careers in Weatherization

Job Details

Typical Tasks

  • Measure, cut, and install various types of insulating materials
  • Apply insulation materials (e.g., foam insulation), to interior or exterior walls, ceilings, attics, crawl spaces, and basements.
  • Cover and line structures with blown or rolled forms of materials to insulate against cold, heat, or moisture, using saws, knives, rasps, trowels, blowers, or other tools and implements.
  • Prepare job sites by unloading materials and cleaning up when the job is done

Typical Skills

  • Ability to safely work with building materials, hand tools, and power tools
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Basic math and measurement skills, often fitting materials in small spaces 
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills 
  • Ability to work as part of a team 
  • Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds

Typical Experience or Education

  • Employers may require a high school diploma or equivalent 
  • Experience and/or comfort working with hand and power tools
  • Many employers will hire for this role without previous work experience
  • Relevant experience or education in building performance, building science, building construction, and/or building trades helps get your foot in the door, but is not required

Professional Development Opportunities

Some Insulation & Air Sealing Technicians may choose to advance their skills with professional certifications, such as:

  • Building Performance Institute Link opens in new window - close new window to return to this page. – Building Science Principles: Earning the Building Science Principles (BSP) Certificate of Knowledge is your first step into the world of energy efficient home performance. You will learn some of the widely-used industry terminology related to building science. Discover why improving the energy efficiency of the home should be the first step toward solar, geothermal, or other renewable energy improvements.

Kevin’s Unlikely Start as an Efficiency Expert

See how Kevin Brenner, President, Healthy Home Energy & Consulting, started a long, well-paid career making houses more energy efficient.

Watch Kevin Brenner on Roadtrip Nation Link opens in new window - close new window to return to this page.

See how you can grow your career and earn more money when you start as an Insulation & Air Sealing Technician.

Insulation & Air Sealing Technician

Wage Range:

$37,000–$97,000

Median Hourly Wage:

$29.35/hr

Experienced Insulation & Air Sealing Technician

Wage Range:

$42,000–$135,000

Median Hourly Wage:

$32.20/hr

Building Performance Contractor

Wage Range:

Varies by type of work, size of project, and other factors

How to Start Your Career