A tire builder assembles and inspects tires using machines and precision techniques. The work is hands-on, in demand, and you can start with a high school diploma. Here is what the role involves, what skills matter most, and how to get in.
Pathly builds you a free, personalized roadmap and helps your counselor champion you along the way.
Tire builders operate machines that assemble tire components into finished products. You inspect equipment and materials to catch defects early, monitor processes to keep quality high, and handle moving parts with care. The work involves controlling machinery, getting information from specifications and coworkers, and performing physical tasks throughout your shift. You stay alert to safety standards and watch for problems in real time. Attention to detail and mechanical knowledge help you build tires that meet strict standards.
Core work activities
Tire Builders earn a median of $57,390 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 2,500 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most tire builder positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers offer on-the-job training to teach you their specific machines and processes. You will learn production procedures, equipment operation, and safety protocols while working. The preparation level is moderate, meaning you need some foundational skills but not years of prior experience. Starting in an entry-level production role and learning from experienced coworkers is a common path into this career.
Most tire builders start with a high school diploma and learn on the job, so your path is direct. If you are exploring whether this role fits your skills and interests, Pathly can map the tire builder path that fits you with your counselor to map out the next steps.
You are drawn to hands-on work with machines and materials. You notice when things are not working right and solve problems logically. You follow procedures carefully and take pride in quality output.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
Your free AI guide weighs this career against your strengths and goals, and surfaces the colleges, trades, and scholarships that match, so you know if it truly fits before you commit.
Get a personalized, step-by-step plan to reach this career, with the training, coursework, and credentials tracked in one place. Link your school or IEC and your counselor in the loop.
Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).