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Locksmiths and Safe Repairers in District of Columbia
Thinking about a career as a Locksmiths and Safe Repairers in District of Columbia? Here’s what you need to know. Repair and open locks, make keys, change locks and safe combinations, and install and repair safes.
What do Locksmiths and Safe Repairers Make in District of Columbia?
The locksmiths and safe repairers working in District of Columbia, wages run about $74,470 per year (or about $35.81/hour).Earnings range from $69,760 at the 10th percentile to $74,990 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $69,760 | $33.54 |
| 25th percentile | $71,930 | $34.58 |
| Median (50th) | $74,470 | $35.81 |
| 75th percentile | $74,470 | $35.81 |
| 90th percentile | $74,990 | $36.05 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in District of Columbia compared to the national average — is 2.18, indicating that locksmiths and safe repairers are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, locksmiths and safe repairers earn a median of $49,146 per year ($23.63/hour), higher than the District of Columbia median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 371,577 locksmiths and safe repairers nationwide. In District of Columbia alone, around 160 people work in this role. That matches the typical state median of 160.
Top District of Columbia Metros for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers
The metro areas below employ the most locksmiths and safe repairers in District of Columbia.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 390 | $73,770 |
Top States for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers Employment
These states have the highest employment of locksmiths and safe repairers work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 2,130 |
| Florida | 1,480 |
| Texas | 1,260 |
| New York | 1,240 |
| New Jersey | 570 |
| Illinois | 560 |
| North Carolina | 520 |
| Massachusetts | 440 |
| Virginia | 440 |
| Pennsylvania | 430 |
| Ohio | 420 |
| Washington | 370 |
| Georgia | 360 |
| Tennessee | 360 |
| Arizona | 360 |
| Maryland | 330 |
| Colorado | 310 |
| Indiana | 240 |
| Michigan | 240 |
| Oregon | 230 |
Highest-Paying States for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers
Where locksmiths and safe repairers earn the most: locksmiths and safe repairers.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $74,470 |
| Rhode Island | $73,120 |
| Connecticut | $64,470 |
| Massachusetts | $62,670 |
| Georgia | $61,610 |
| California | $61,500 |
| Minnesota | $61,420 |
| New York | $59,560 |
| Maryland | $59,310 |
| Alaska | $59,300 |
Skills
Key locksmiths and safe repairers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for locksmiths and safe repairers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers typically:
- 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.
- Disassemble mechanical or electrical locking devices, and repair or replace worn tumblers, springs, and other parts, using hand tools.
- Repair and adjust safes, vault doors, and vault components, using hand tools, lathes, drill presses, and welding and acetylene cutting apparatus.
- Install alarm and electronic access systems.
- Install safes, vault doors, and deposit boxes according to blueprints, using equipment such as power drills, taps, dies, truck cranes, and dollies.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Thinking Creatively
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Documenting/Recording Information
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Intuit QuickBooks
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
Related Careers
Related occupations to locksmiths and safe repairers include:
- Electricians
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
- Helpers–Electricians
- Helpers–Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Also Known As
Access Control Technician (Access Control Tech), CML (Certified Master Locksmith), CMS (Certified Master Safecracker), Certified Professional Safe Technician (CPS), Commercial Vault Associate, Forensic Locksmith, Key Maker, Key Technician (Key Tech), Keysmith, Lock Expert, Lock Fitter, Lock Setter, Lock Technician (Lock Tech), Lockmaker, Locksmith.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 49-9094.00