Installation, maintenance and repair
Locksmiths and safe repairers
Repair and open locks, make keys, change locks and safe combinations, and install and repair safes.
Median pay
$51,320
Growth to 2035
−12%
declining
Openings a year
1,200
Time to qualify*
12 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Locksmiths and safe repairers
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Long-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Locksmiths and safe repairers: 54% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Cut new or duplicate keys, using impressions or code key machines.
- Insert new or repaired tumblers into locks to change combinations.
- Move picklocks in cylinders to open door locks without keys.
- Cut new or duplicate keys, using key cutting machines.
- Open safe locks by drilling.
- Set up and maintain master key systems.
- Install door hardware, such as locks and closers.
- Keep records of company locks and keys.
Also called: Certified Professional Safe Technician (CPS) · CML (Certified Master Locksmith) · CMS (Certified Master Safecracker) · Forensic Locksmith · Lock Technician (Lock Tech) · Locksmith · Road Service Locksmith · RST (Registered Safe Technician)
Outlook and AI
Locksmiths and safe repairers held 18,700 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 16,500 by 2035 (−12%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).
Demand change - share decreases as new smart locks, apps on smart phones, key kiosks, and voice-activated locks reduce the need to hire a locksmith to open locks or create key copies.
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