Tire builders
Operate machines to build tires.
Tire builders operate machines to build tires. The role reports a median annual salary of $55,580 in the US and is showing modest growth of 2% over the next decade. Entry typically requires a High school diploma or equivalent, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.53 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Monitoring, Active Listening, Critical Thinking.
Pay in the UK
UK: median £31,717 a year for Process operatives n.e.c. (ONS ASHE 2025, full-time)
UK jobs are grouped differently; this is the closest UK occupation group (ONS SOC 2020 8119). ONS rates this estimate reasonably precise. 2025 provisional figures; ONS revises them a year later. Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Open Government Licence)
Pay in India (occupation group)
Average monthly earnings of salaried employees in the occupation group “Plant and machine operators and assemblers” in India, from the Government of India's Periodic Labour Force Survey (January–December 2025). It covers everyone in this group, not only Tire builders, and it is not US pay converted to rupees.
Source: MoSPI (Government of India), Periodic Labour Force Survey Annual Report 2025, Table 51 — average wage/salary earnings of regular wage/salaried employees, NCO-2015 division 8. Official India data gives one average per occupation group: there are no official India figures for single careers, experience levels or cities. Read the report
Top skills
Knowledge you'll build
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
What you'd actually do
- Build semi-raw rubber treads onto buffed tire casings to prepare tires for vulcanization in recapping or retreading processes.
- Trim excess rubber and imperfections during retreading processes.
- Fill cuts and holes in tires, using hot rubber.
- Place tires into molds for new tread.
- Fit inner tubes and final layers of rubber onto tires.
- Buff tires according to specifications for width and undertread depth.
Tools & technology you'd use
Frequently asked questions
What does Tire builders do?
Operate machines to build tires.
How much does Tire builders earn?
The median annual salary for Tire builders in the US is $55,580.
What is the job outlook for Tire builders?
The role is showing modest growth of 2% over the next decade. Current US employment is approximately 20,900 workers.
How do I become tire builders?
The typical entry education is a High school diploma or equivalent. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.
What skills does Tire builders need?
The most in-demand skills for this role include Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Monitoring, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Time Management. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.
Will AI replace Tire builders?
Our AI-durability model gives Tire builders a score of 0.53 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.
How hard is it to enter this field?
Tire builders has low barrier to entry — generally accessible — you can enter with basic credentials and on-the-job learning.