How to become a tire builder

Operate machines to build tires.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What tire builders do

• Trim excess rubber and imperfections during retreading processes.
• Build semi-raw rubber treads onto buffed tire casings to prepare tires for vulcanization in recapping or retreading processes.
• Fill cuts and holes in tires, using hot rubber.

Skills that matter most

• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Speaking
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies

Is tire builder a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 13% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Tennessee $74,100
• North Carolina $63,950
• Ohio $56,370
• Texas $54,880
• Mississippi $53,050

Tire Builders salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.