Shigoto Zukan
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How to become locksmiths and safe repairerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$51,320
25th–75th pct. $43,160–$64,560
Top pay (est.)
$103,200
Top 10% $79,400
Pay in 5 years
$57,600est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$64,600est.
$55,600–$75,100
Outlook score
35/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
34%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−11.7%
1,200 openings / yr

How to become locksmiths and safe repairers

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers

Key skills

Repairing
3.1
Critical Thinking
3.1
Operation and Control
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Speaking
3.0
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Troubleshooting
3.0
Quality Control Analysis
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.9
Customer and Personal Service
4.4
Public Safety and Security
3.9
Sales and Marketing
3.7
Education and Training
3.7
Administration and Management
3.7
Computers and Electronics
3.6
Mathematics
3.4

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsThinking CreativelyPerforming General Physical Activities

Important abilities

Near VisionVisualizationArm-Hand SteadinessFinger DexterityControl PrecisionOral Expression

Education of workers

High school diploma
62%
Post-secondary certificate
15%
Some college
8%
Less than high school
8%
Bachelor's degree
4%
Professional degree
4%

Training before entry

6–12 months
27%
3–6 months
19%
Up to 1 month
19%
None / short demo
8%
1–2 years
8%
2–4 years
8%
1–3 months
8%
Over 10 years
4%

Related work experience

None
31%
2–4 years
23%
1–2 years
19%
6–12 months
19%
Over 10 years
8%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as locksmiths and safe repairers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.