Tire builders
SOC Code: 51-9197
Tire builders carries a 26% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $55,580 and +2.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 20,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Tire builders (SOC 51-9197) carries an AI exposure score of 26%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 20,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +2.3% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $55,580, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Tire builders. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Place tires into molds for new tread.
- 2. Fit inner tubes and final layers of rubber onto tires.
- 3. Buff tires according to specifications for width and undertread depth.
- 4. Build semi-raw rubber treads onto buffed tire casings to prepare tires for vulcanization in recapping or retreading processes.
- 5. Brush or spray solvents onto plies to ensure adhesion, and repeat process as specified, alternating direction of each ply to strengthen tires.
- 6. Start rollers that bond tread and plies as drums revolve.
- 7. Align treads with guides, start drums to wind treads onto plies, and slice ends.
- 8. Inspect worn tires for faults, cracks, cuts, and nail holes, and to determine if tires are suitable for retreading.
- 9. Measure tires to determine mold size requirements.
- 10. Trim excess rubber and imperfections during retreading processes.
Key Skills Required
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
- Speaking
- Quality Control Analysis
- Social Perceptiveness
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Design
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Tire builders?
Tire builders has an AI exposure score of 26%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Tire builders?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Tire builders is projected to grow by 2.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 20,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Tire builders?
Key skills for Tire builders include Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Tire builders earn?
The median annual wage for Tire builders is $55,580, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Tire builders?
The typical entry-level education for Tire builders is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Tire builders?
Tire builders roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).