Tire Builders
Operate machines to build tires.
Also called: Buffer · Recapper · Retread Associate · Retread Technician · Retreader · Tire Assembler
Median pay (national)
$55,580
$39,990–$70,250 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
20,970
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+2.3%
~2,500 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for tire builders shows a relatively narrow range: the top 10% earn $70,250 versus $39,990 at the bottom 10% — 1.8x. The median of $55,580 leaves roughly 26% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +2.3% from 2024 to 2034 — about as fast as the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 2,500 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 19 states with released data, Oklahoma pays the most for this role (median $66,710, +20% vs the national median), while Missouri sits lowest at $35,390 — a 88% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
Tailor your resume to Tire Builders
Honest tailoring
See how your resume lines up with Tire Builders
Refit re-angles your real experience toward this role using the skills above — and never invents skills you don't have. A no-fabrication gate checks every change before you see it.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- 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.
- Place tires into molds for new tread.
- Buff tires according to specifications for width and undertread depth.
- Fit inner tubes and final layers of rubber onto tires.
- Inspect worn tires for faults, cracks, cuts, and nail holes, and to determine if tires are suitable for retreading.
- Measure tires to determine mold size requirements.
- Position ply stitcher rollers and drums according to width of stock, using hand tools and gauges.
- Clean and paint completed tires.
Tools & technology
- SAP software
- IBM Lotus Notes
- Programmable logic controller PLC software
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service