Tire Builders
Operate machines to build tires.
Also called: Automobile Tire Builder (Auto Tire Builder), Automobile Tire Recapper (Auto Tire Recapper), Bead Builder, Belt Builder, Belt Machine Operator, Buffer
Median pay
$57,390
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$40,150 – $74,680
People employed
20,770
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 2.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 3.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 4.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 5.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 6.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 7.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 8.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
Tire Builders pay by state
Annual median pay by state (20 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What tire builders do
- 01Place tires into molds for new tread.
- 02Fit inner tubes and final layers of rubber onto tires.
- 03Buff tires according to specifications for width and undertread depth.
- 04Build semi-raw rubber treads onto buffed tire casings to prepare tires for vulcanization in recapping or retreading processes.
- 05Brush or spray solvents onto plies to ensure adhesion, and repeat process as specified, alternating direction of each ply to strengthen tires.
- 06Start rollers that bond tread and plies as drums revolve.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from tire builders
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers88% · −6%
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters86% · −11%
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers85% · −16%
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators84% · −18%
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders82% · −5%
Change into tire builders
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators89% · $46,880
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers86% · $48,110
- Tire Repairers and Changers85% · $37,710
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers83% · $54,890
- Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders83% · $38,180