Across U.S. metros, rebar workers typically earn $8,530 more a year than insulation installers (18%). In the 17 metros where BLS publishes both, insulation installers earn more in 4 and rebar workers in 13.
| Insulation Installer | Rebar Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $48,305 | $56,835 |
| Lowest metro median | $27,040 | $27,120 |
| Highest metro median | $80,000 | $102,080 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +2.4% | -5.3% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 3,000 | 1,000 |
| Self-employed | 2% | 18% |
| Typical education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Short-term on-the-job training | Apprenticeship |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 312 | 34 |
| Metros with pay data | 106 | 24 |
On safety, insulation installers report more injuries that cause missed work (312 vs. 34 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 insulation installers out-earn rebar workers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where rebar workers out-earn insulation installers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, insulation installers earn more in 5 states and rebar workers in 27. The gap favors insulation installers most in Mississippi ($23,020) and rebar workers most in Wisconsin ($72,100).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Outdoors, in all kinds of weather: often for insulation installers, very often for rebar workers.
| Insulation Installer | Rebar Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Often | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Occasionally | Occasionally |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Often | Very often |
| Working at heights | Often | Often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Often | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Often |
| Sitting | Rarely | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Insulation Installer
Line and cover structures with insulating materials. May work with batt, roll, or blown insulation materials.
Rebar Worker
Position and secure steel bars or mesh in concrete forms in order to reinforce concrete. Use a variety of fasteners, rod-bending machines, blowtorches, and hand tools. Includes rod busters.
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