Occupation · SOC 49-3093
Tire Repairers and Changers
Repair and replace tires.
Median wage
$37,120
$29,880–$48,900
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
106,620
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
6 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingService OrientationTime Management
Knowledge areas
MechanicalCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementSales and Marketing
Technology & tools
Accounting softwareSpreadsheet softwareElectronic mail softwareWord processing softwareProject management software
Representative tasks
Raise vehicles, using hydraulic jacks.Remount wheels onto vehicles.Unbolt and remove wheels from vehicles, using lug wrenches or other hand or power tools.Identify tire size and ply and inflate tires accordingly.Place wheels on balancing machines to determine counterweights required to balance wheels.Replace valve stems and remove puncturing objects.Hammer required counterweights onto rims of wheels.Reassemble tires onto wheels.Seal punctures in tubeless tires by inserting adhesive material and expanding rubber plugs into punctures, using hand tools.Inspect tire casings for defects, such as holes or tears.Locate punctures in tubeless tires by visual inspection or by immersing inflated tires in water baths and observing air bubbles.Glue tire patches over ruptures in tire casings, using rubber cement.Assist mechanics and perform various mechanical duties, such as changing oil or checking and replacing batteries.Rotate tires to different positions on vehicles, using hand tools.Clean and tidy up the shop.Buff defective areas of inner tubes, using scrapers.Order replacements for tires or tubes.Separate tubed tires from wheels, using rubber mallets and metal bars or mechanical tire changers.Inflate inner tubes and immerse them in water to locate leaks.Clean sides of whitewall tires.Prepare rims and wheel drums for reassembly by scraping, grinding, or sandblasting.Apply rubber cement to buffed tire casings prior to vulcanization process.Patch tubes with adhesive rubber patches or seal rubber patches to tubes, using hot vulcanizing plates.Drive automobile or service trucks to industrial sites to provide services or respond to emergency calls.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Hydraulic jack operation — learn and perform vehicle-raising procedures under direct supervisor guidance in a busy tire service bay.Lug wrench and impact tool handling — remove wheels from passenger vehicles following step-by-step instructions on the shop floor.Wheel remounting procedures — reattach wheels to vehicles using correct torque sequences under close technician supervision.Balancing machine setup — place wheels on balancing equipment and read basic readouts with guidance from an experienced coworker.Tire size and ply identification — recognize and interpret sidewall markings to select correct inflation pressures under direct oversight.Valve stem replacement — remove damaged stems and install new ones following standard shop protocols on routine tire jobs.Counterweight installation — hammer specified weights onto wheel rims as directed by balancing machine output under supervision.Tire-to-wheel reassembly — mount tires back onto rims using tire mounting equipment following demonstrated shop procedures.Active listening on the shop floor — receive and follow multi-step verbal instructions from lead technicians during routine service tasks.Puncturing object removal — locate and extract nails or debris from tire treads using basic hand tools under direct technician direction.
developing
Vehicle lifting sequence — raise a variety of car and light-truck models safely using hydraulic jacks with minimal supervisor prompting in a production shop environment.Wheel removal efficiency — unbolt and remove wheels using power and hand tools at consistent production pace while maintaining safety standards.Wheel balancing analysis — operate balancing machines independently, interpret readout data, and select correct counterweights for standard passenger and light-truck tires.Inflation specification compliance — identify tire size, ply rating, and load index and inflate tires to manufacturer-recommended pressures without prompting.Valve stem and puncture repair — replace valve stems and perform plug or patch repairs on common puncture types following shop repair standards.Counterweight precision — hammer and seat counterweights accurately on rims to achieve balance tolerances within shop quality benchmarks.Tire mounting quality — reassemble tires onto wheels correctly, checking bead seating and air retention on a variety of tire and rim combinations.Customer communication — explain recommended tire services and basic findings to customers clearly and professionally at the service counter.Time management on the floor — prioritize and complete multiple tire change and repair jobs within scheduled time windows during peak shop hours.Basic service records — enter completed job details and parts usage into shop management or database software accurately at end of shift.
proficient
Complex vehicle lifting situations — raise specialty vehicles, trucks, and AWD models safely using appropriate equipment and adapters without oversight in a full-service tire center.Diagnostic tire assessment — evaluate tread wear patterns, sidewall damage, and structural integrity to determine repairability or replacement across a full range of tire types.Advanced wheel balancing — perform road-force balancing on low-profile and performance tires and resolve persistent vibration complaints using systematic diagnostic reasoning.Non-routine puncture repair decisions — assess puncture location, size, and angle on run-flat and specialty tires and apply correct repair method per industry standards.Full-service wheel package execution — complete tire rotation, mounting, balancing, torque verification, and TPMS reset as an integrated workflow across diverse vehicle makes.TPMS sensor service — diagnose, reprogram, and replace tire pressure monitoring sensors using scan tools and manufacturer procedures without technical assistance.Service quality troubleshooting — identify root causes of comeback issues such as vibration or air loss and implement corrective repairs efficiently in a high-volume shop.Customer service problem resolution — handle escalated customer concerns about tire service quality, communicating findings and solutions with confidence and professionalism.Inventory tracking accuracy — monitor tire and parts stock levels using database or spreadsheet software and flag reorder needs to maintain shop operational continuity.Workstation safety enforcement — ensure hydraulic jack stands, torque wrenches, and mounting equipment are inspected and used correctly by all team members on the floor.
advanced
Shop productivity leadership — set daily workflow priorities, assign jobs, and optimize bay utilization to maximize throughput and service quality across a multi-technician tire facility.Technical training program delivery — design and conduct hands-on onboarding for new tire technicians covering hydraulic lifting, mounting, balancing, and TPMS procedures.Quality standards development — establish shop-wide repair and inspection protocols aligned with industry codes and manufacturer specifications to ensure consistent service outcomes.Performance metrics oversight — track key indicators such as comeback rate, cycle time, and upsell conversion using spreadsheet or shop management software to drive continuous improvement.Customer experience strategy — implement service processes and communication standards that increase customer retention and satisfaction scores across the location.Vendor and inventory management — negotiate tire and parts procurement terms with suppliers and manage stock levels using database tools to control cost and availability.Safety compliance leadership — conduct regular equipment audits, enforce OSHA-aligned safety practices, and lead incident investigations to eliminate shop floor hazards.Mentorship and career development — coach developing technicians through skill assessments, targeted feedback, and stretch assignments to build team depth and advancement pathways.Cross-functional coordination — collaborate with service advisors, parts staff, and management using email and project management software to align scheduling and customer commitments.Operational planning and forecasting — analyze seasonal demand trends and labor capacity data to develop staffing and inventory plans that sustain shop performance year-round.
Also known as
102 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice, B-2 (Air Force 2A534F)Vehicle Management Manager (Air Force 2T300)Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Journeyman, F-15 (Air Force 2A353L)Tactical Aircraft Maintenance (5th Generation) Helper, F-22 (Air Force 2A317A)Tire ChangerLube TechnicianBasic Motor Transport Marine (Marine Corps 3500)Service TechnicianRemotely Piloted Aircraft Maintenance Journeyman, RQ-4 (Air Force 2A358B)Remotely Piloted Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice, RQ-4 (Air Force 2A338B)Automotive Tire Worker (Auto Tire Worker)Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Journeyman, KC-46 (Air Force 2A554C)Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Helper (Air Force 2T311)Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Helper, B-1 (Air Force 2A514E)Tire ServicerMission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Apprentice, Firefighting and Refueling Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance (Air Force 2T331A)Tactical Aircraft Maintenance (Air Force 2A3X3)Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Helper, F-16 (Air Force 2A313M)Automotive Maintenance Technician (Marine Corps 3521)Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Journeyman, B-21 (Air Force 2A554H)Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Journeyman, Any C-135/E-3/E-8 (Air Force 2A554A)Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice, KC-10 (Air Force 2A534B)Vehicle Management Superintendent (Air Force 2T390)Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice, KC-46 (Air Force 2A534C)Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Journeyman, KC-10 (Air Force 2A554B)Tactical Aircraft Maintenance (5th Generation) Journeyman, F-22 (Air Force 2A357A)Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Journeyman (Air Force 2T351)Tactical Aircraft Maintenance (5th Generation) Apprentice, F-35 (Air Force 2A337B)Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance (Air Force 2A5X4)Tire RepairerTactical Aircraft Maintenance (5th Generation) Craftsman (Air Force 2A377)Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Helper, F-15 (Air Force 2A313L)Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance, Helper, Material Handling Equipment (MHE)/463L Maintenance (Air Force 2T311C)Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Craftsman (Air Force 2T371)Wheeled Vehicle Repairer (Army 91B)Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice, B-1 (Air Force 2A534E)Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Helper, B-21 (Air Force 2A514H)Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Helper, Any C-135/E-3/E-8 (Air Force 2A514A)Repair Technician (Repair Tech)Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Helper, B-52 (Air Force 2A514D)