How much does a tire builder make?
Answer: A typical tire builder in the United States makes $57,390 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 21,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Tire builder pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,150 | $57,390 | $74,680 | about 21,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $74,100 | about 1,000 |
| North Carolina | $63,950 | about 4,000 |
| Ohio | $56,370 | about 780 |
| Texas | $54,880 | about 610 |
| Mississippi | $53,050 | about 710 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experience and in-demand skills can raise pay, and harder tasks or more responsibility may pay more. Pay also varies by employer, industry, and location; some tire-plant night shifts add extra pay.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a tire builder do?
Operate machines to build tires.
What's a typical day like?
Depending on the plant, you may inspect a worn tire, line up new rubber tread, guide it through a machine, and trim or patch flaws. You often stand indoors, repeat careful hand movements, and work around noisy equipment.
How to get this job
In the United States, a high school diploma or GED is common, though some jobs may not require one. After hiring, learn the machines on the job for a few days to a year; some employers may offer an apprenticeship.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Passenger and light-truck tires are cured in a mold at over 300°F for 12–15 minutes; giant off-road tires can take up to a day.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Production jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/51-9197.00
- nccareers.org/occupation-profile/519197/1284
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes519197.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- goodyear.veteran-hiring.com/job-detail/production-associate-findlay-oh-131872090
- www.ustires.org/tires-101/how-tire-made
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY