What You Need to Know About Locksmith or Safe Repairer
Locksmith or Safe Repairer Job Description Repair and open locks; make keys; change locks and safe combinations; and install and repair safes.
What Do Locksmiths and Safe Repairers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Keep records of company locks and keys.
- Remove interior and exterior finishes on safes and vaults, and spray on new finishes.
- Set up and maintain master key systems.
- Move picklocks in cylinders to open door locks without keys.
- Install alarm and electronic access systems.
- Insert new or repaired tumblers into locks to change combinations.
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Things a Locksmith or Safe Repairer Should Know How to Do
Below is a list of the skills most Locksmiths and Safe Repairers say are important on the job.
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles
- Lock Setter
- Lock Expert
- Safe and Vault Service Mechanic
- Lock Technician
- Vault Installer
Is There Going to be Demand for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 28,700 jobs in the United States for Locksmith or Safe Repairer. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Locksmith or Safe Repairer. There will be an estimated 2,500 positions for Locksmith or Safe Repairer per year.

The states with the most job growth for Locksmith or Safe Repairer are Utah, Maryland, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in South Dakota, Vermont, or Wisconsin. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Locksmiths and Safe Repairers Salary
The average yearly salary of a Locksmith or Safe Repairer ranges between $24,270 and $65,870.

Locksmiths and Safe Repairers who work in Alaska, District of Columbia, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Locksmiths and Safe Repairers make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $31,780 |
Alaska | $68,260 |
Arizona | $36,960 |
Arkansas | $35,830 |
California | $50,620 |
Colorado | $44,880 |
Connecticut | $60,010 |
Delaware | $44,820 |
District of Columbia | $62,600 |
Florida | $40,900 |
Georgia | $37,530 |
Hawaii | $46,760 |
Idaho | $33,480 |
Illinois | $51,080 |
Indiana | $41,940 |
Iowa | $40,320 |
Kansas | $51,990 |
Kentucky | $34,490 |
Louisiana | $40,120 |
Maine | $45,410 |
Maryland | $48,070 |
Massachusetts | $51,660 |
Michigan | $35,980 |
Minnesota | $43,920 |
Mississippi | $43,650 |
Missouri | $44,740 |
Montana | $39,420 |
Nebraska | $39,800 |
Nevada | $45,650 |
New Hampshire | $44,260 |
New Jersey | $46,550 |
New Mexico | $31,710 |
New York | $54,230 |
North Carolina | $34,880 |
North Dakota | $50,690 |
Ohio | $39,760 |
Oklahoma | $35,160 |
Oregon | $37,810 |
Pennsylvania | $49,410 |
Rhode Island | $42,490 |
South Carolina | $38,980 |
Tennessee | $35,650 |
Texas | $40,640 |
Utah | $44,520 |
Virginia | $46,430 |
Washington | $37,740 |
West Virginia | $34,260 |
Wisconsin | $39,660 |
What Tools & Technology do Locksmiths and Safe Repairers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Locksmiths and Safe Repairers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Scheduling software
- Inventory tracking software
- Mapping software
- dESCO ESC
How to Become a Locksmith or Safe Repairer
What education is needed to be a Locksmith or Safe Repairer?

What work experience do I need to become a Locksmith or Safe Repairer?

Who Employs Locksmiths and Safe Repairers?

The table below shows the approximate number of Locksmiths and Safe Repairers employed by various industries.

References:
Image Credit: Phasmatisnox via CC BY 3.0
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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