Insulation · SOC 47-2131

Attic Insulation (blown cellulose top-up) cost

We keep the estimating math boring on purpose. For Attic Insulation (blown cellulose top-up) we use mid hours of 0.007 and materials around $1, then apply the same 2.0× / 2.25× / 2.5× labor markup schedule as every other Fairange job.

Attic insulation — that’s the everyday name. On Fairange it’s a published hours band (0.004/0.007/0.012) plus a materials band, run through BLS OEWS May 2025 wages for Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall (SOC 47-2131).

Last updated from data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · PPI construction materials 2026-09

What this estimate can’t tell you. Roof pitch, an old house or code upgrades, tough access, permits, emergency or after-hours calls, and brand tier can push a real quote outside this range.
Hours (low / mid / high)
0.004 / 0.007 / 0.012
Materials band
$1 – $1
U.S. mid (before ZIP)
$1,265

per sq ft attic floor blown cellulose to roughly R-38 equivalent depth on open attic; excludes major air-sealing package. National OEWS mean wage used on this page: $26.32/hr (SOC 47-2131).

How the national mid is built

Before you enter a ZIP we use the U.S. OEWS mean wage for Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall (SOC 47-2131): $26.32/hr (BLS OEWS May 2025). Mid estimate ≈ 0.007 hours × $26.32 × 2.25× markup + materials mid $1 (with a small regional materials factor). Low uses p10 wages × 2.0×; high uses p90 × 2.5×. National planning band: $692 – $1,265 – $2,428. The calculator default size is 1000 sq ft — change it when your roof or slab differs.

Full algebra: methodology. Markup schedule is Fairange’s published assumption, not a BLS figure.

Materials band

Published materials low / mid / high: $1 / $1 / $1 (per sq ft attic floor blown cellulose to roughly R-38 equivalent depth on open attic; excludes major air-sealing package). Baselines are Fairange editorial figures tied to public retail when we have a SKU basket; full source notes live in DATA_SOURCES and the methodology page. We dampen materials with a regional factor (about 0.88–1.18) so wages — not a fake local parts market — do most of the geography.

What usually moves the number

What’s in the planning band

Labor in the published hours band plus the materials band above.

Ask about before you sign

Run this job on your ZIP Insulation trade hub

Also: calculator · methodology · city guides · all job guides · DATA_SOURCES.

Attic Insulation (blown cellulose top-up) FAQ

How much does attic insulation (blown cellulose top-up) cost?

National mid planning estimate is about $1,265 before you enter a ZIP — labor from BLS OEWS May 2025 Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall (SOC 47-2131, national mean $26.32/hr) × published hours, plus materials. Local OEWS wages move the band once you type a ZIP.

What hours, materials, and markup do you assume?

Hours 0.004 / 0.007 / 0.012. Materials band $1 / $1 / $1 (per sq ft attic floor blown cellulose to roughly R-38 equivalent depth on open attic; excludes major air-sealing package), documented in DATA_SOURCES / methodology — not lead-gen marketplace price tables. Labor markup 2.0× / 2.25× / 2.5× (Fairange methodology).

Is this a bid?

No. It’s an educational planning range. Collect at least three written scopes from licensed pros and compare exclusions — permits, haul-away, patching, and code upgrades.

Any rebates or tax credits?

Check IRS, ENERGY STAR, and DSIRE for any incentives that apply to this project.

Want actual bids?

Leave a few details if you’d like local pros to follow up. We’ll only share what you submit after you check the box below.