How much does a locksmith make?
Answer: A typical locksmith in the United States makes $51,320 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 15,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Locksmith pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,530 | $51,320 | $79,400 | about 15,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $61,830 | about 960 |
| California | $61,010 | about 2,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,160 | about 530 |
| Florida | $49,120 | about 1,000 |
| Texas | $43,860 | about 1,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experience, state licenses, ALOA credentials, and specialties such as safe work can affect a locksmith’s pay. The employer, location, and hours—including overtime or emergency work—can also make a difference.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a locksmith do?
Repair and open locks, make keys, change locks and safe combinations, and install and repair safes.
What's a typical day like?
Locksmiths check their calls, visit customers, diagnose stuck locks, then repair or rekey them, cut keys, and test that they work. Some jobs involve opening or repairing a safe and updating key or access records.
How to get this job
In the U.S., finish high school or a GED, then learn hands-on through a job or apprenticeship; ALOA offers credentials. State rules differ, and some require a minimum age, experience, an exam, and a license.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Some locksmiths repair vault doors with welding tools and acetylene cutters—not just keys and door locks.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes499094.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9094.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.aloa.org/certifications
- www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-jersey/N-J-A-C-13-31A-2-1
- ofm.wa.gov/hr-policies/compensation-job-classes/job-classes-salaries/listing/spe
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY