Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
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.
Top skills:RepairingCritical ThinkingTime ManagementSpeakingService OrientationQuality Control Analysis
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers pay by experience level
Entry level$37,000
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$44,500
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$53,000
Mid-career median pay
Senior$67,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$82,000
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
-8.3%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
1,700
projected openings per year
Declining
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers salary by industry
Administrative and Support Services
10,220 workers
$54,000
Investigation and Security Services
9,950 workers
$53,500
Educational Services
1,790 workers
$65,500
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
1,150 workers
$66,000
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Schools and Hospitals and USPS
1,010 workers
$75,500
Educational Services, State Government Owned
670 workers
$64,500
Educational Services, Local Government Owned
650 workers
$65,500
Elementary and Secondary Schools
530 workers
$63,500
Educational Services, Privately Owned
480 workers
$67,500
Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
430 workers
$78,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers pays 14% below the average across 52 roles in the Installation, Maintenance, and Repair job family (family average $66,500).
Similar-paying roles in Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
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