What You Need to Know About Locksmith or Safe Repairer
Locksmith or Safe Repairer Example Repair and open locks; make keys; change locks and safe combinations; and install and repair safes.
Locksmith or Safe Repairer Responsibilities
- Open safe locks by drilling.
- Set up and maintain master key systems.
- Disassemble mechanical or electrical locking devices, and repair or replace worn tumblers, springs, and other parts, using hand tools.
- Move picklocks in cylinders to open door locks without keys.
- Keep records of company locks and keys.
- Install alarm and electronic access systems.
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Locksmith or Safe Repairer Skills
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:
- Time Lock Expert
- Vault Service Mechanic
- Lock Expert
- Safe and Vault Mechanic
- Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL)
Locksmith or Safe Repairer Job Outlook
There were about 28,700 jobs for Locksmith or Safe Repairer in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Locksmith or Safe Repairer. The BLS estimates 2,500 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
What is the Average Salary of a Locksmith or Safe Repairer
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.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers in different U.S. states.
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 |
What Tools do Locksmiths and Safe Repairers Use?
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
How do I Become a Locksmith or Safe Repairer?
Learn what Locksmith or Safe Repairer education requirements there are.

How many years of work experience do I need?

Locksmiths and Safe Repairers Sector

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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