Aptly
Careers · Production

Tire Builders

Tire builders operate specialized machinery to construct tires by assembling rubber components and materials into finished products. This work takes place in tire manufacturing facilities and factories. The role involves monitoring equipment, ensuring quality standards, and following production procedures.

$57,390median pay, U.S., per year
$47,900–$64,380middle half earn
21Kemployed in the U.S.
High school diplomatypical education · 1% hold a bachelor’s or higher
LowAI exposure · AI tools touch only a small share of this work.
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A day in the work

A tire builder's week typically involves operating mixing machines, extruders, and assembly equipment that shape and bond rubber materials. Workers monitor production lines, inspect tires for defects, make adjustments to machinery settings, and ensure output meets specifications. Tasks are repetitive and physically demanding, requiring sustained attention to machine operations and quality control checks throughout shifts.

Who this work suits

Realistic
100Conventional
46Investigative
21Social
2Artistic
0Enterprising
0

Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You'd do well in this role if you prefer working with machines and physical materials rather than abstract tasks. People who succeed here tend to be detail-oriented, follow procedures carefully, and find satisfaction in making tangible products. This work suits those who value stability and steady, predictable routines.

What it takes

Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.

Skills that matter most

Operation and ControlOperations MonitoringActive ListeningCritical ThinkingMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingTime ManagementSpeaking

Knowledge areas

Production and ProcessingAdministration and ManagementMechanicalEnglish LanguageEngineering and TechnologyPublic Safety and Security

Pay by state

State25th pctMedian75th pctEmployed
Tennessee$65,350$74,100$74,1001,360
North Carolina$51,420$63,950$64,3803,750
Illinois$59,830$59,830$59,830—
Ohio$56,370$56,370$62,330780
Texas$49,040$54,880$56,730610
Mississippi$50,730$53,050$53,050710
Indiana$50,000$51,170$51,1701,320
Iowa$44,450$50,600$63,060510
Connecticut$39,510$48,630$51,25090
Oregon$44,600$48,380$48,380250
New York$46,550$46,550$46,550530
Maryland$39,620$46,290$55,64060
All 20 states

Training

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Related occupations

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Four short assessments and your background, scored against tire builders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
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O*NET-SOC 51-9197.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.