Across U.S. metros, flooring installers typically earn $7,565 more a year than insulation installers (16%). In the 47 metros where BLS publishes both, flooring installers earn more in 29 and insulation installers in 18.
| Flooring Installer | Insulation Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $55,870 | $48,305 |
| Lowest metro median | $38,240 | $27,040 |
| Highest metro median | $105,280 | $80,000 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +9.0% | +2.4% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 2,200 | 3,000 |
| Self-employed | 21% | 2% |
| Typical education | No formal educational credential | No formal educational credential |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Short-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 73 | 312 |
| Metros with pay data | 70 | 106 |
On safety, insulation installers report more injuries that cause missed work (312 vs. 73 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where flooring installers out-earn insulation installers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where insulation installers out-earn flooring installers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, flooring installers earn more in 25 states and insulation installers in 18. The gap favors flooring installers most in Alaska ($36,390) and insulation installers most in Mississippi ($13,640).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Working at heights: rarely for flooring installers, often for insulation installers. Very hot or cold conditions: rarely for flooring installers, often for insulation installers.
| Flooring Installer | Insulation Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Occasionally | Often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Often | Occasionally |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Rarely | Often |
| Working at heights | Rarely | Often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Rarely | Sometimes |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Often | Often |
| Loud noise | Sometimes | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Occasionally |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Sometimes | Often |
| Sitting | Rarely | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Flooring Installer
Apply blocks, strips, or sheets of shock-absorbing, sound-deadening, or decorative coverings to floors.
Insulation Installer
Line and cover structures with insulating materials. May work with batt, roll, or blown insulation materials.
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