# Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall

US SOC code 47-2131. Markdown version of https://futurehistory.earth/timeline/47-2131

## In brief

In May 2025, [BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm25nat.zip) counted **44,440** US floor, ceiling, and wall insulation workers, with median pay of **$49,120** a year. Of the BLS counts since 2004, the May 2025 count is the highest. The earliest figure here is [an estimate](https://www.sciencehistory.org/stories/magazine/in-the-pink/) of **8,000** from 1940, not measured the same way as today's count. The last full technology era for floor, ceiling, and wall insulation workers: Digital energy modeling and progressive building codes, 2005 to 2022. The 2008-2009 housing collapse was the most severe employment disruption the trade had experienced since the early-1980s recession.

Figures: Official statistic (latest count and pay, highest count); Researched context (earliest figure).

## What the sources say

### Official outlook

BLS projects employment to grow 2.4% from 2025 to 2035. Source: [BLS Employment Projections 2025-35](https://data.bls.gov/projections/nationalMatrix?queryParams=47-2131&ioType=o) (Official statistic).

### AI exposure studies

- **0.83** estimated probability that the whole occupation could be computerised, over an unspecified number of years. Not a forecast of job losses. [Frey and Osborne, 2013](https://oms-www.files.svdcdn.com/production/downloads/academic/The_Future_of_Employment.pdf) (Official statistic)

### Since the 2013 prediction

In 2013, Frey and Osborne put this job's probability of computerisation at 0.83. BLS counted **23,850** of these jobs in May 2013 and **44,440** in May 2025 (+86%, a change derived by Future History). Figures: Official statistic.

Data as of BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025-35. BLS publishes these counts as yearly survey snapshots and cautions against reading them as a precise trend. In May 2021 BLS changed how it estimates these counts (a model-based method using three years of survey data) and moved fully to the 2018 occupation codes, so part of a change across 2021 can come from the method rather than the work.

## Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall employment and pay by year

- On record since: 1905
- Latest US employment: 44,440 (May 2025). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 [6]
- Latest US median pay: $49,120 (May 2025). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 [8]
- Outlook: +2.4% by 2035. Source: BLS Employment Projections 2025-35 [20]

### All 27 years of cited US data

| Year | US employment | Annual pay (median unless marked) | Source |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1940 | 8,000 (estimate) | n/a | Est., Science History Institute [1] |
| 1970 | 35,000 (estimate) | n/a | Est., Derived estimate [2] |
| 1977 | 52,000 (estimate) | $14,000 (average) | Est., US Department of Energy (employment) [3]; BLS historical bulletin 1977 (pay) [7] |
| 1990 | 42,000 (estimate) | n/a | Est., ASHRAE / PNNL [4] |
| 2000 | 48,000 (estimate) | n/a | Est., Derived/approximate employment estimate… [5] |
| 2004 | 37,000 | $30,310 | BLS OEWS May 2004 [6] |
| 2005 | 34,250 | $31,360 | BLS OEWS May 2005 [6] |
| 2006 | 31,450 | $30,510 | BLS OEWS May 2006 [6] |
| 2007 | 29,660 | $31,280 | BLS OEWS May 2007 [6] |
| 2008 | 28,390 | $31,900 | BLS OEWS May 2008 [6] |
| 2009 | 26,500 | $32,550 | BLS OEWS May 2009 [6] |
| 2010 | 23,380 | $31,830 | BLS OEWS May 2010 [6] |
| 2011 | 24,170 | $32,420 | BLS OEWS May 2011 [6] |
| 2012 | 22,540 | $32,360 | BLS OEWS May 2012 [6] |
| 2013 | 23,850 | $32,890 | BLS OEWS May 2013 [6] |
| 2014 | 24,180 | $33,720 | BLS OEWS May 2014 [6] |
| 2015 | 25,850 | $35,040 | BLS OEWS May 2015 [6] |
| 2016 | 29,500 | $35,660 | BLS OEWS May 2016 [6] |
| 2017 | 31,100 | $37,050 | BLS OEWS May 2017 [6] |
| 2018 | 31,840 | $38,480 | BLS OEWS May 2018 [6] |
| 2019 | 33,550 | $40,380 | BLS OEWS May 2019 [6] |
| 2020 | 32,780 | $41,690 | BLS OEWS May 2020 [6] |
| 2021 | 30,360 | $39,880 | BLS OEWS May 2021 [6] |
| 2022 | 33,130 | $45,380 | BLS OEWS May 2022 [6] |
| 2023 | 38,510 | $47,540 | BLS OEWS May 2023 [6] |
| 2024 | 38,610 | $48,680 | BLS OEWS May 2024 [6] |
| 2025 | 44,440 | $49,120 | BLS OEWS May 2025 [6] |

## Sources (71)

### Employment series

1. [Science History Institute — "In the Pink" (Owens Corning fiberglass insulation history, origin of Dale Kleist's 1932 discovery)](https://www.sciencehistory.org/stories/magazine/in-the-pink/), Science History Institute
2. [Derived estimate: 1970 Census of Population insulation-worker occupation total apportioned to the floor/ceiling/wall residential segment (SOC 47-2131 did not exist as a separate category in 1970)](https://www.census.gov/topics/employment/industry-occupation/data/tables.html), Future History derived estimate (basis: U.S. Census Bureau, 1970 Census of Population occupational tables)
3. [US Department of Energy — Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP established 1976, has helped more than 7.2 million low-income families through weatherization services)](https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program), US Department of Energy
4. [ASHRAE / PNNL — "Country Report on Building Energy Codes in the United States" (history of Model Energy Code 1983, 1986, 1989, 1992 editions mandating insulation standards)](https://www.pnnl.gov/main/publications/external/technical_reports/pnnl-17979.pdf), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory / ASHRAE
5. [Derived/approximate employment estimate for Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall (47-2131) circa 2000; the Census 2000 occupation classification used a single combined 'insulation workers' code, so a 47-2131-only count is an apportioned estimate](https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2003/dec/c2kbr-25.html), Future History derived estimate (basis: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000 occupation data)
6. BLS OEWS, national cross-industry estimates (flat file), Bureau of Labor Statistics. Editions: [2004](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm04nat.zip), [2005](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm05nat.zip), [2006](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm06nat.zip), [2007](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm07nat.zip), [2008](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm08nat.zip), [2009](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm09nat.zip), [2010](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm10nat.zip), [2011](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm11nat.zip), [2012](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm12nat.zip), [2013](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm13nat.zip), [2014](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm14nat.zip), [2015](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm15nat.zip), [2016](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm16nat.zip), [2017](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm17nat.zip), [2018](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm18nat.zip), [2019](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm19nat.zip), [2020](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm20nat.zip), [2021](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm21nat.zip), [2022](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm22nat.zip), [2023](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm23nat.zip), [2024](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm24nat.zip), [2025](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm25nat.zip)

### Wage series

7. [BLS — Union Wages and Hours: Building Trades (Bulletin series, 1977 edition), via FRASER](https://fraser.stlouisfed.org/title/union-wages-hours-building-trades-4200), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (FRASER, St. Louis Fed)
8. BLS OEWS, national cross-industry estimates (flat file), Bureau of Labor Statistics. Editions: [2004](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm04nat.zip), [2005](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm05nat.zip), [2006](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm06nat.zip), [2007](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm07nat.zip), [2008](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm08nat.zip), [2009](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm09nat.zip), [2010](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm10nat.zip), [2011](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm11nat.zip), [2012](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm12nat.zip), [2013](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm13nat.zip), [2014](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm14nat.zip), [2015](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm15nat.zip), [2016](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm16nat.zip), [2017](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm17nat.zip), [2018](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm18nat.zip), [2019](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm19nat.zip), [2020](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm20nat.zip), [2021](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm21nat.zip), [2022](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm22nat.zip), [2023](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm23nat.zip), [2024](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm24nat.zip), [2025](https://www.bls.gov/oes/special-requests/oesm25nat.zip)

### Tool eras

9. [Mesothelioma Help — "History of Asbestos" (asbestos production and building material use through early 20th century)](https://www.mesotheliomahelp.org/asbestos/history/), Mesothelioma Help
10. [Science History Institute — "In the Pink" (history of Owens Corning fiberglass insulation, Dale Kleist's discovery, 1956 pink dye, 1985 trademark)](https://www.sciencehistory.org/stories/magazine/in-the-pink/), Science History Institute
11. [History of Asbestos in Resilient Flooring — Restoration and Remediation Magazine (vinyl asbestos floor tile 1920s-1986, peak use 1950s-1970s)](https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91242-a-brief-history-of-asbestos-in-resilient-flooring), Restoration and Remediation Magazine
12. [US Department of Energy — Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP established 1976 under Title IV Energy Conservation and Production Act; has helped more than 7.2 million families through weatherization services)](https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program), US Department of Energy
13. [Valley Insulation — "History of Cellulose Insulation" (cellulose demand surge during 1970s energy crisis; "demand for insulation hit an all-time high")](https://valleyinsulationllc.com/valley-insulation-history-of-cellulose-insulation/), Valley Insulation LLC
14. [Wikipedia — Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA 1986: school asbestos inspection and management mandates)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbestos_Hazard_Emergency_Response_Act), Wikipedia
15. [Spray Foam Alliance — "History" (commercial origins of spray polyurethane foam insulation, residential adoption 1980s-1990s)](https://www.sprayfoam.org/history/), Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance
16. [EEOC 2002 and 2008 EEO-1 Aggregate Reports for NAICS 238310 (drywall and insulation contractors: 61,824 employees in 2007, 52,851 in 2008)](https://www.eeoc.gov/eeo-1/2002-eeo-1-aggregate-report-roofing-siding-insulation), US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
17. [IAEI Magazine — "National Energy Codes and Standards" (IECC history, successive edition R-value increases)](https://iaeimagazine.org/2008/july2008/national-energy-codes-and-standards/), International Association of Electrical Inspectors
18. [IDI Insulation — "Guide to the Inflation Reduction Act for Insulation Contractors" (25C, HOMES, HEEHRA program details; $1,600 air sealing and insulation rebate)](https://www.idi-insulation.com/inflation-reduction-act-insulation/), IDI Insulation Distributors
19. [BLS National Employment Matrix — 47-2131 Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall (2024-2034 projections: 40,200 to 41,700, +3.8%)](https://data.bls.gov/projections/nationalMatrix?queryParams=47-2131&ioType=o), Bureau of Labor Statistics

### Forecasts and exposure studies

20. [BLS Employment Projections 2025-35, National Employment Matrix: 47-2131 Insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall (2025: 45.1 thousand; 2035: 46.2 thousand; +2.4%)](https://data.bls.gov/projections/nationalMatrix?queryParams=47-2131&ioType=o), Bureau of Labor Statistics
21. [Frey & Osborne (2013), "The Future of Employment: How Susceptible Are Jobs to Computerisation?", Appendix (SOC 47-2131 Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall: probability 0.83, rank 465 of 702)](https://oms-www.files.svdcdn.com/production/downloads/academic/The_Future_of_Employment.pdf), Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford

### Historical notes

22. [Science History Institute — "In the Pink" (Dale Kleist 1932 discovery; Owens Corning Fiberglas founded 1938)](https://www.sciencehistory.org/stories/magazine/in-the-pink/), Science History Institute
23. [Wikipedia — Irving Selikoff (1964 New York Academy of Sciences conference on asbestos insulation workers; cancer mortality seven times expected rate)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irving_Selikoff), Wikipedia
24. [US Department of Energy — Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP established 1976; has helped more than 7.2 million families through weatherization services; oil crisis as founding impetus)](https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program), US Department of Energy
25. [Wikipedia — Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA 1986: school asbestos inspection, management plan, and abatement requirements)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbestos_Hazard_Emergency_Response_Act), Wikipedia
26. [IDI Insulation — "Guide to the Inflation Reduction Act for Insulation Contractors" (25C, HOMES, and HEEHRA program details affecting residential insulation demand)](https://www.idi-insulation.com/inflation-reduction-act-insulation/), IDI Insulation Distributors

### Predecessors & successors

27. [Science History Institute — "In the Pink" (early insulation work done by general construction labor before trade specialization)](https://www.sciencehistory.org/stories/magazine/in-the-pink/), Science History Institute

### Present-day analysis

- [Eloundou et al. 2024 — GPTs are GPTs (Science)](https://arxiv.org/abs/2303.10130), accessed 2026-05-21
- [O\*NET 30.3 — US Department of Labor](https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html), accessed 2026-05-21

How to read these figures: https://futurehistory.earth/methodology. Every figure links to its own source; gaps stay gaps.