Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Short-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Tire repairers and changers keep vehicles on the road by focusing on a very specific, hands-on area of maintenance. This occupation employs about 113,000 people nationwide, with a national median annual salary of $37,120. People in these roles draw on physical strength and stamina, mechanical ability, and fine motor skills to do their work effectively. The role also benefits from being detail oriented and having strong problem solving and decision making abilities. Because the work often involves direct contact with drivers and other customers, interpersonal and customer service skills are also important. Leadership, project management, and creativity and innovation can help workers take on more responsibility over time. With projected employment growth of 5.7% and about 15,000 annual openings, this career offers a range of opportunities across the country for those who enjoy practical, mechanical work and regular interaction with others.
Tire repairers and changers earn a national median annual salary of $37,120. Pay levels vary by location, and some states and metro areas offer higher median wages than the national figure. Among the highlighted states, Colorado shows a median salary of $45,380, Washington $44,670, New York $43,660, and California $39,680, while Massachusetts is closer to the national level at $36,770. At the metro level, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV stands out with a median salary of $48,320. Other metro areas with relatively higher median pay include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA at $45,900 and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA at $45,180. These differences suggest that workers who are geographically flexible may find higher earning potential in selected states and large metro areas, while still having access to opportunities at or near the national median in many regions.
Tire repairers and changers have a national employment base of about 113,000 workers and a projected employment growth rate of 5.7%. This growth rate is consistent across the highlighted states and metro areas, where projections also show 5.7% growth. Nationally, about 15,000 annual openings are expected in this occupation. These openings can reflect a combination of new positions and the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. The combination of an established national employment level and positive projected growth indicates that opportunities are likely to continue across different regions. Because this occupation is represented in many states and metropolitan areas, job seekers can consider both local and non-local options. The presence of projected growth in every listed state and metro area suggests that demand is broadly distributed rather than isolated to just one or two locations.
Location plays an important role in the opportunity profile for tire repairers and changers. Among states, California has the highest employment level listed at 11,620, combined with a median salary of $39,680 and an opportunity score of 67.38. New York and Colorado show higher median wages—$43,660 and $45,380 respectively—with opportunity scores of 65.78 and 56.97. Washington offers a median salary of $44,670 and an opportunity score of 56.29, while Massachusetts has a median salary of $36,770 but a relatively high opportunity score of 65.87. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ stand out with opportunity scores above 77, along with median salaries in the mid-$40,000s. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV combines a $48,320 median salary with an opportunity score of 64.47. These differences give workers options to prioritize salary, opportunity score, or employment concentration when choosing where to work.
The typical education requirement for tire repairers and changers is a high school diploma or equivalent. This entry point makes the field accessible to individuals who want to begin working without extended formal education. While advanced degrees are not listed as necessary, success in this occupation draws on a specific mix of skills. Physical strength and stamina, fine motor skills, and mechanical ability support the hands-on aspects of the work. Being detail oriented helps ensure tasks are completed accurately. Customer service and interpersonal skills are important for interacting with vehicle owners, coworkers, and supervisors. Problem solving and decision making, along with creativity and innovation, support workers in addressing day-to-day challenges. Leadership and project management skills can be valuable for those who move into roles with more responsibility, such as coordinating tasks or guiding others on the job. Together, these skills complement the basic educational requirement and shape long-term career potential.
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