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In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Duties vary from one position to another but, in general, insulators (heat and frost select the amount and type of insulation to be installed and a method for securing the insulation, such as spraying, pinwelding, wiring, pasting, strapping or taping. The choice of insulation and the method depends on the type and shape of the surface, whether or not the equipment is cold or hot or inside or outside, and what the equipment is going to be used for.
Insulators also:
Insulators (heat and frost) work both indoors and outdoors, often in uncomfortable or potentially hazardous circumstances: in very hot or cold settings, on ladders or scaffolding, in cramped areas or with materials that are dusty, itchy or toxic. They must observe safety precautions and use equipment such as respirators, coveralls and safety glasses or goggles.
Insulators may work a 40-hour, 5-day week or work 40 hours in 5 days. They may see some overtime to meet construction deadlines. Those employed in the maintenance of industrial plants may work shifts.
Lifting or moving items that weigh up to 25 kilograms may be required.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in copying information to apply waterproofing cement over insulating materials to finish surfaces, and to install vapour barriers
Interest in operating hand and power tools to measure and cut insulating materials to required dimensions
Interest in fitting insulation around obstructions and between studs and joints
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Insulators (heat and frost) need:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 140 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 12, 2023 and Dec 20, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Measure and cut insulating materials to required shape and dimensions using hand and power tools | 120 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Fit insulation around obstructions and between joists and studs | 117 |
| Tasks: Apply and secure insulation using spraying, blowing, pasting, strapping, taping and other application and installation methods | 105 |
| Tasks: Select type of insulation required | 89 |
| Tasks: Install vapour barriers and fire-retardant materials | 77 |
| Tasks: Fabricate and apply removable insulation pads and covers | 70 |
| Tasks: Read and interpret blueprints, maps, drawings and specifications | 67 |
| Tasks: Brush waterproofing cement or other material over insulating materials | 65 |
| Tasks: Assemble, erect and dismantle scaffolding, rigging and hoisting equipment | 64 |
| Work Setting: Construction | 55 |
To work in Alberta, an insulator (heat and frost) must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.
The term of apprenticeship is 3 years (three 12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,517 hours of on-the-job training and 7 weeks of classroom instruction each year.
High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).
Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
Insulator apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).
Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Insulators (heat and frost) apply, remove and repair thermal and acoustical insulation (for example, calcium silicate, glass foam, mineral wool, styrofoam, fibreglass) on all types of industrial equipment (for example, duct piping, heat exchangers, tanks, vessels). For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you do not have to be certified if you are self-employed or work for an employer who is satisfied that you have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. To learn the trade, you must become a registered apprentice.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Insulator (Heat and Frost).
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Insulators (heat and frost) are employed by:
This occupation is subject to business cycle swings that can lead to periodic high levels of unemployment.
Insulators may advance to supervisory or management positions such as foreman, general foreman or superintendent, or move into estimator positions.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Insulators
2016 NOC: 7293
82.9% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson insulators (heat and frost) wage rates vary but generally range from $30 to $42 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices earn at least 50% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 60% in the second, and 70% in the third.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $23.00 | $35.00 | $28.99 | $26.00 |
| Overall | $25.00 | $38.00 | $35.56 | $36.88 |
| Top | $28.85 | $53.00 | $43.93 | $48.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $81,356 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $81,965 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers website: www.insulators.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
