How much does a tire technician make?
a year · about $18 an hour
A typical tire technician in the United States makes $37,710 a year, about $18 an hour, below a typical US worker ($50,980) (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They lift a car with a jack and inspect a wheel for nails, air leaks, or damage. They patch or replace the tire, fit it back on the wheel, inflate it to the right pressure, and rotate tires when needed.
Did you know? A plug alone is not a proper tire repair: the tire comes off its wheel for an inside check, and a patch seals the inside lining.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $30,010 and $50,230How do you become one?
In the U.S., many start after high school or a GED, often around 18, and learn on the job; a college degree usually isn't needed. Employers train them in safety, and after a year of hands-on work they can take an exam for optional TIA certification.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experienced tire technicians and people with useful training or credentials may earn more. Pay also changes with the area and the kind of employer or shop.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Oregon ($47,650), lowest in West Virginia ($29,880).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,010 | $37,710 | $50,230 | about 108,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $47,650 | about 2,000 |
| Montana | $46,360 | about 740 |
| Colorado | $45,380 | about 3,000 |
| Washington | $44,670 | about 3,000 |
| New Jersey | $44,440 | about 2,000 |
Official definition: Repair and replace tires.
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.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-3093.00
- www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.177
- www.tireindustry.org/training/tire-technician-training/automotive-tire-service
- www.ustires.org/tire-care-safety/tire-repair-basics
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes493093.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY