How long does it take to become a Tire Builder?

Most tire builders positions require high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training typically involves moderate-term on-the-job training. The exact timeline depends on your background — PathScorer can estimate your personal timeline.

How much does a Tire Builder make?

The median annual salary is $55,580. Most earn between $48,740 (25th percentile) and $65,410 (75th percentile). The highest-paying metro is Oklahoma at $66,710.

Do I need a degree to become a Tire Builder?

No — most tire builders positions don't require a college degree. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically sufficient. Employers value moderate-term on-the-job training over formal education.

Can I become a Tire Builder at 40?

Absolutely. Career changers bring transferable skills that can accelerate the transition. Since this career requires no college degree, the barrier to entry is lower than many occupations. See how your specific skills transfer.

What's the hardest part of becoming a Tire Builder?

The most challenging aspect varies by person. Career changers often find that skills from their previous career transfer more than expected. PathScorer identifies which of your existing skills already apply.

How to Become a Tire Builder in 2026

Median salary: $55,580 · +2.3% projected growth (2024–2034)

O*NET Code: 51-9197.00 · Data from O*NET & BLS · Updated March 2026

Median Salary

$55,580

annual wage

Job Growth

+2.3%

projected 2024–2034

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

typical entry

AI Exposure

21/100

exposure score

Section 01

What does a Tire Builder do?

Operate machines to build tires.

Section 02

Tire Builder Salary in 2026

The median annual salary for Tire Builders is $55,580. The bottom 10% earn around $39,990 while the top 10% earn over $70,250.

Experience level	Annual salary
Entry-level (P10)	$39,990
Early career (P25)	$48,740
Median	$55,580
Experienced (P75)	$65,410
Top earners (P90)	$70,250

10th: $39,990Median: $55,58090th: $70,250

Highest-paying metros

Oklahoma

Highest paying

$66,710

top metro salary

Virginia

$66,530

$-180 vs highest

North Carolina

$62,360

$-4,350 vs highest

Iowa

$55,110

$-11,600 vs highest

Ohio

$54,600

$-12,110 vs highest

Upper East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area

$51,390

$-15,320 vs highest

Mississippi

$51,390

$-15,320 vs highest

Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area

$49,840

$-16,870 vs highest

Tire Builder salary by state

State	Median salary
Oklahomatop	$66,710
Virginia	$66,530
North Carolina	$62,360
Arizona	$57,380
Iowa	$55,110
Ohio	$54,600
Mississippi	$51,390
Indiana	$48,740
Oregon	$47,200
Connecticut	$46,310
Georgia	$45,460
Kentucky	$45,150
Florida	$44,010
Pennsylvania	$43,810
Tennessee	$43,110
Maryland	$42,740
Michigan	$39,500
California	$39,400
Missouri	$35,390

How to earn more as a Tire Builder

The salary range for Tire Builders spans $30,260 — from $39,990 at entry level to $70,250 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is Oklahoma at $66,710 — $11,130 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.

Section 03

How to get there

Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

Starting from high school

Complete on-the-job training (moderate-term on-the-job training)
Earn industry-recognized certifications (OSHA 10/30-Hour, quality certifications (ASQ), machine-specific training)
Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
Advance to journeyman level or specialized role

Manufacturing plants often hire with just a high school diploma and provide all training on-site. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification is widely required. Look for manufacturing apprenticeship programs through the Department of Labor. Community colleges offer manufacturing technology certificates that can accelerate your starting wage.

3–12 months to start working, 2–4 years to journey level $0–$5K

Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.

Switching from another career

Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
Complete a short certification or orientation program (OSHA 10/30-Hour, quality certifications (ASQ), machine-specific training)
Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
Advance faster than new entrants using your professional experience

Manufacturing values reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to follow procedures — skills transferable from nearly any career. Many plants provide full training and will hire career changers with a high school diploma. If you have experience with machinery, tools, quality processes, or inventory management from any field, you're a strong candidate. Contact local manufacturers directly — job boards often don't reflect the actual openings.

1–6 months to start, faster advancement with prior experience $0–$3K

Certification costs are typically self-funded, but some employers reimburse. Union programs are paid positions.

Already working in another career?

See how your skills transfer to Tire Builder — free. PathScorer maps your experience against the requirements and shows you what you already qualify for.

See how your skills transfer — free

Free to try No sign-up Based on O*NET data

Section 06

AI and automation outlook

21/100

The Tire Builder role has a low AI exposure score — one of the safer careers from automation. Most day-to-day tasks require human judgment, physical presence, or interpersonal skills that AI cannot replicate.

See full AI risk breakdown

Section 07