Tire Repairers and Changers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Tire Repairers and Changers fall under the Installation, Maintenance, and Repair category in the U.S. occupational classification. Tire Repairers and Changers earn a median salary of $37,120 per year, ranking in the top 92% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +5.7% job growth through 2034, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do tire repairers and changers earn?

The median annual wage for tire repairers and changers is $37,120. That puts tire repairers and changers at #741 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is tire repairers and changers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for tire repairers and changers is +5.7%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 113K positions in 2024 to 119K in 2034, a net change of 6K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What do tire repairers and changers do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working tire repairers and changers, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Remount wheels onto vehicles.
2. 2.Identify tire size and ply and inflate tires accordingly.
3. 3.Locate punctures in tubeless tires by visual inspection or by immersing inflated tires in water baths and observing air bubbles.
4. 4.Order replacements for tires or tubes.
5. 5.Replace valve stems and remove puncturing objects.
6. 6.Seal punctures in tubeless tires by inserting adhesive material and expanding rubber plugs into punctures, using hand tools.
7. 7.Inspect tire casings for defects, such as holes or tears.
8. 8.Raise vehicles, using hydraulic jacks.

Top skills for tire repairers and changers

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become tire repairers and changer?

Tire Repairers and Changers typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

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Common questions parents ask about tire repairers and changers