Tire Builder Salary Guide 2025: $57,390 Median, Job Outlook & How to Start
Tire Builders earn a median salary of $57,390 per year, or roughly $28 an hour, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The middle 80 percent of workers make between $40,150 and $74,680. With 20,770 jobs nationally and an expected 2.3 percent growth through 2034, this is a stable manufacturing role that pays well above the national average for production occupations.
How much Tire Builders earn
The median annual wage for Tire Builders is $57,390, with a mean wage of $57,160. That works out to about $28 per hour. The lowest 10 percent earn around $40,150, while the top 10 percent make $74,680 or more.
Pay varies by experience, company, and location. Entry-level positions often start near the 10th percentile, but with a few years of experience, most workers move toward the median or higher.
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. Tennessee tops the list at $74,100 — more than $16,000 above the national median. North Carolina ($63,950), Illinois ($59,830), Ohio ($56,370), and Texas ($54,880) also pay well.
On the lower end, Michigan ($44,420), Georgia ($44,220), and Florida ($44,150) fall about $13,000 below the median. These differences often reflect the concentration of tire plants and local cost of living.
How to become Tire Builder
Most Tire Builders learn through on-the-job training. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. No formal postsecondary education is necessary, but vocational classes in mechanics or manufacturing can help.
Here are the usual steps:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Apply for entry-level positions at tire manufacturing plants.
- Complete employer-provided training, which may last several weeks to a few months.
- Gain experience and learn to operate building machines, inspect tires, and follow safety protocols.
- Some employers offer certification programs or advancement opportunities to higher-paying roles.
Job outlook
Employment for Tire Builders is projected to grow 2.3 percent from 2024 to 2034, roughly as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to about 2,500 job openings per year, mostly due to workers retiring or leaving the field.
Demand is tied to vehicle production and replacement tire sales. While automation may affect some tasks, skilled Tire Builders will still be needed to operate and maintain the equipment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary of a Tire Builder in the United States?
The average salary is $57,390 per year (median), with a mean wage of $57,160. Hourly pay averages about $28.
How much do Tire Builders make per hour?
Tire Builders earn roughly $27.48 per hour at the median, according to BLS data.
What education do I need to become a Tire Builder?
A high school diploma or GED is typically required. Most training is on the job.
Is Tire Builder a growing career?
Yes, the field is projected to grow 2.3% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average, with around 2,500 openings per year.
Which states pay Tire Builders the most?
Tennessee ($74,100), North Carolina ($63,950), and Illinois ($59,830) are the highest-paying states.
What does a Tire Builder do?
Tire Builders operate machines that assemble tires from rubber, fabric, and steel components. They also inspect finished tires for defects and ensure quality standards.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Tire Builders data.