Locksmiths and Safe Repairers

ManufacturingO*NET 49-9094.00United States

Repair and open locks, make keys, change locks and safe combinations, and install and repair safes.

COMING SOON See related ASU learning

Median annual earnings: $49,673
Projected change: +0.9%
Typical education: High school diploma or less
Employment: 22.41K jobs

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Build the skills

ASU learning related to this career

These courses and certificates are connected through catalog career relationships and Lightcast skill tags.

The work

What locksmiths and safe repairers do

Tasks reported for this occupation, ordered by how often they come up in the role.

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.
Unlock cars and other vehicles.

Pay and outlook

What the job pays and where it is heading

Annual earnings range

Reported earnings by percentile, United States

10th percentile: $28,384
25th percentile: $37,437
50th percentile: $49,673
75th percentile: $68,481
90th percentile: $105,400

The gold marker shows the median. Half earn more than $49,673 and half earn less.

Employment outlook

2025 to 2035 projection

+0.9%average or slower

202522,412 jobs

2035 projected22,618 jobs

206 more positions over the decade, before replacement hiring.

Preparation

Education levels

What people currently working in the career hold. These are not entry requirements.

High school diploma or less: 69.2%
Certificate: 15.4%
Some college: 7.7%
Bachelor's degree: 3.9%
Master's or Professional degree: 3.9%

Skills

Skills employers ask for

Technical skills appearing most often in job postings for this occupation.

Keys And Locks
Access Controls
Good Driving Record
Security Systems
Rekeying
Hand Tools
Lifting Ability
Power Tool Operation
Inventory Management
Mechanical Aptitude
Electronic Access Control
Carpentry
Door Hinges
Low Voltage
Security Devices
Construction
Cutting Tool (Machining)
Machinery
Drilling
Security Solutions

How the work gets done

Core competencies

Broad capabilities associated with strong performance in this occupation.

Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Installation: Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Operations Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Equipment Selection: Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

In the market

Job titles and employers

Recent job postings in United States

Common job titles

01Locksmiths1,424 postings
02Locksmith Technicians449 postings
03Locksmith Apprentices93 postings
04Principals44 postings
05Access Control Technicians21 postings
06Truck Technicians20 postings
07Vault Managers18 postings
08Technicians15 postings
09Field Technicians11 postings
10Installers11 postings
11Installation Technicians10 postings
12Telecommunications Technicians10 postings
13Building Services Technicians9 postings
14Low Voltage Technicians9 postings
15Generator Technicians8 postings
16Vault Tellers8 postings
17Apprentice Technicians6 postings
18Corrugator Operators6 postings
19Master Technicians6 postings
20Hardware Interns5 postings

Top employers

01A&D Lock And Key43 postings
02Fidelity Investments43 postings
0324/7 Locksmith35 postings
04United States Department of Justice22 postings
05Miami Dade County Public Schools20 postings
06Herc18 postings
07United States Department of Veterans Affairs18 postings
08Locksmith Co., Ltd.17 postings
09CoreCivic16 postings
10Pop-A-Lock16 postings
11LP Security14 postings
12Locksmith Services14 postings
13A-1 Locksmith12 postings
14Cook Solutions Group10 postings
15Precision Locksmith10 postings
16Wilbert Funeral Services10 postings
17ABM Industries9 postings
18Sure Lock & Key9 postings
19TKC Holdings9 postings
20Action Lock And Safe8 postings

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