SOC 8145 Process, plant and machine operatives

Tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters Salary

Median salary £30,429 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £30,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters, £30,500 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -22% versus the national average.

About this role

Tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters inspect, repair, replace and balance vehicle tyres, fit exhaust systems and replace windscreens and vehicle glass. They work in fast-fit centres, garages and mobile service operations.

Key responsibilities

Removing, fitting and balancing tyres on vehicles
Inspecting tyres for wear, damage and legal compliance
Fitting exhaust systems and catalytic converters
Replacing windscreens and vehicle glass using adhesive bonding
Advising customers on tyre selection and vehicle safety

Qualifications and entry routes

On-the-job training is the primary route. IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) qualifications in tyre fitting are available. GQA windscreen fitting qualifications exist for glazing work. Health and safety training is standard.

Career outlook

Steady demand driven by vehicle fleet size. EV tyre requirements and ADAS recalibration after windscreen replacement are creating new skill needs.

Key skills

Tyre fitting and balancing Vehicle safety knowledge Customer service Physical fitness Equipment operation

Common industries

Fast-fit centres (Kwik Fit, Halfords)
Tyre wholesalers
Mobile tyre fitting
Vehicle glass companies (Autoglass)
Independent garages

Data coverage

SOC code 8145

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Estimated jobs 13,000

Median Salary

£30,429

Mean Salary

£32,056

Jobs (000s)

13k

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £26,900Median: £30,429

P10: --P25: £27kMedian: £30kP75: --P90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£26,900

0-2 years

Mid Level

£26,900

3-7 years

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +77.3%Real growth: +28.5%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£30,429

Full-time Only

£30,500

Full-time premium: +£71

Tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters salary: common questions

How much do tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters earn in the UK?

Tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters earn a median of £30,500 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).

Is £30,500 a good salary in the UK?

For tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters, £30,500 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -22% versus the national average.

What is the starting salary for tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters?

Entry-level tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £26,900, though this varies by employer and region.

Have tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters pay has risen from £18,015 to £30,500 — +69% in cash terms, or +23% after CPIH inflation. That is ahead of inflation over the period.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).