How much does a tire technician make?
Answer: A typical tire technician in the United States makes $37,710 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 108,000 people work in this job. Below 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 technician 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $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 |
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.
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 technician do?
Repair and replace tires.
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
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?
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.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair 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.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