All About Locksmiths and Safe Repairers
Occupation Description Repair and open locks; make keys; change locks and safe combinations; and install and repair safes.
Daily Life Of a Locksmith or Safe Repairer
- Remove interior and exterior finishes on safes and vaults, and spray on new finishes.
- Unlock cars and other vehicles.
- Cut new or duplicate keys, using key cutting machines.
- Disassemble mechanical or electrical locking devices, and repair or replace worn tumblers, springs, and other parts, using hand tools.
- Cut new or duplicate keys, using impressions or code key machines.
- Move picklocks in cylinders to open door locks without keys.
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Qualities of a Locksmith or Safe Repairer
When polled, Locksmiths and Safe Repairers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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 for this Occupation:
- Safe and Vault Installer
- Safe and Vault Mechanic
- Vault Service Mechanic
- Locksmith Apprentice
- Certified Master Safecracker (CMS)
Job 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.
Locksmith or Safe Repairer Average 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 each U.S. state?
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Locksmiths and Safe Repairers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Locksmiths and Safe Repairers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Scheduling software
- Inventory tracking software
- Mapping software
- dESCO ESC
Becoming a Locksmith or Safe Repairer
Are there Locksmiths and Safe Repairers education requirements?

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

Where Locksmiths and Safe Repairers Are Employed

Locksmiths and Safe Repairers work in the following industries:

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