Tire Changer and Repairer

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Tire Changer and Repairer

Education and Training None

Salary Median—$9.99 per hour

Employment Outlook Poor

Definition and Nature of the Work

Tire changers and repairers replace or fix the tires, treads, tubes, and related materials on automobiles, trucks, recreational vehicles, aircraft, bulldozers, and other types of vehicles. Also known as tire retreaders, tire-and-tube servicers, or tire fixers, they generally work for automotive service centers or retail or wholesale tire companies.

Tire changers and repairers remove and remount tires on vehicle wheels, test and repair tires and inner tubes, and balance tires and wheels. They use such equipment as hydraulic jacks, power hoists, mechanical tire changers, hot vulcanizing plates, and rubber mallets. Some rebuild worn tires using specialized retreading equipment.

Education and Training Requirements

The job has no formal educational requirements. High school courses in mathematics and industrial arts are helpful. Good motor coordination and manual dexterity are essential. Most employers provide on-the-job training that may last up to six months.

Getting the Job

Job seekers can apply directly to tire companies or automotive repair shops. State employment services, newspaper classified ads, or Internet job sites may provide employment leads.

Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook

Advancement within the automotive industry requires additional training and education. Enterprising workers can become service supervisors, open their own tire stores, or become involved in tire manufacturing.

Employment of tire changers and repairers is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2014. The popularity of RVs and high-performance, lightweight trucks may spur demand for workers skilled in replacing, repairing, retreading, and balancing tires for those vehicles.

Working Conditions

Most tire changers and repairers work in noisy, dirty service or retreading shops, where they may be exposed to hot temperatures. Some workers make emergency calls to repair tires on the roadside or in customers' driveways in all kinds of weather.

The work requires agility and strength. Heavy tires or equipment must be lifted, carried, moved, or handled. While safety equipment and procedures have been improved, workers can be injured on the job.

Earnings and Benefits

In 2004 the median salary for tire changers and repairers was $9.99 per hour. Those who worked with specialized tires, such as airplane or giant tires, earned more.