FAQ
Tire Technician FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a tire technician.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a tire technician: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about tire technicians
Do tire technicians need certification?
Not required, but TIA training helps.
Is the job in demand?
Yes, BLS projects many openings.
Can it lead to mechanic jobs?
Yes.
How much does a tire technician make?
The median annual wage for tire technicians was $37,710 ($18.13 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $30,010 and the highest 10% earned more than $50,230.
How long does it take to become a tire technician?
Most people need about A few weeks on the job of training. A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a tire technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Is tire technician a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +3.4% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 12,900 openings each year. Upsides include short training; a common challenge is that low pay.
What skills does a tire technician need?
Key technical skills include tire mounting, wheel balancing, puncture repair, and tpms service. Employers also value reliability, speed, and safety awareness.
What certifications are available for tire technicians?
Common credentials include TIA ATS certification, TIA commercial tire training, ASE entry-level, and Driver’s license. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Tire Technician fit quiz, compare with Automotive Service Technician, or explore Tire Technician training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-3093 (Tire repairers and changers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Tire repairers and changers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.