Locksmiths and Safe Repairers
Repair and open locks, make keys, change locks and safe combinations, and install and repair safes.
Also called: Access Control Technician (Access Control Tech), Certified Professional Safe Technician (CPS), CML (Certified Master Locksmith), CMS (Certified Master Safecracker), Commercial Vault Associate, Forensic Locksmith
Median pay
$51,320
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$35,530 – $79,400
People employed
15,040
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 2.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 3.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 4.Are you OK with hours that change?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (47 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What locksmiths and safe repairers do
- 01Cut new or duplicate keys, using impressions or code key machines.
- 02Insert new or repaired tumblers into locks to change combinations.
- 03Move picklocks in cylinders to open door locks without keys.
- 04Cut new or duplicate keys, using key cutting machines.
- 05Open safe locks by drilling.
- 06Set up and maintain master key systems.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from locksmiths and safe repairers
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers80% · +114%
- Helpers--Electricians79% · −17%
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers78% · −7%
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers76% · +17%
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles75% · −6%
Change into locksmiths and safe repairers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants75% · $35,670
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers74% · $47,630
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers74% · $47,810
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians74% · $52,000
- Bicycle Repairers72% · $42,780
Majors that lead here
- Locksmithing and Safe Repair
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.