Occupation · SOC 49-9094
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers
Repair and open locks, make keys, change locks and safe combinations, and install and repair safes.
Median wage
$50,490
$34,750–$79,340
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
15,550
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
2 mapped
Core skills
RepairingTime ManagementSpeakingQuality Control AnalysisOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceCritical ThinkingActive ListeningTroubleshootingReading ComprehensionService OrientationJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningSocial PerceptivenessMonitoringCoordinationWritingEquipment SelectionPersuasionMathematicsInstallationInstructingSystems AnalysisNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesLearning StrategiesManagement of Material ResourcesSystems EvaluationManagement of Financial ResourcesTechnology DesignProgrammingOperations AnalysisScience
Knowledge areas
MechanicalCustomer and Personal ServicePublic Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguageSales and MarketingEducation and TrainingMathematicsAdministration and ManagementLaw and GovernmentComputers and ElectronicsAdministrativeEngineering and TechnologyBuilding and ConstructionDesignPersonnel and Human ResourcesCommunications and MediaEconomics and AccountingTelecommunicationsTransportationProduction and ProcessingPhysicsGeographyPsychologyForeign LanguageTherapy and CounselingPhilosophy and TheologySociology and AnthropologyChemistryMedicine and DentistryHistory and ArcheologyFood ProductionFine ArtsBiology
Technology & tools
Intuit QuickBooksInventory tracking softwareMapping softwareMarathon Data Systems ServiceCEOMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordScheduling softwareWH Software InstaCodeWH Software MasterKeydESCO ESC
Representative tasks
Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeGetting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsScheduling Work and ActivitiesPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicControlling Machines and ProcessesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentHandling and Moving ObjectsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationTraining and Teaching OthersThinking CreativelyIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsPerforming Administrative ActivitiesDocumenting/Recording InformationPerforming General Physical ActivitiesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsSelling or Influencing OthersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsCoaching and Developing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersWorking with ComputersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersProcessing InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesAnalyzing Data or InformationStaffing Organizational UnitsDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentDeveloping and Building Teams
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Key cutting machine operation — identify and operate under direct supervision to produce duplicate keys from customer-supplied originals at a retail locksmith shop.Lock tumblers and basic components — recognize and name standard parts while assisting a journeyman locksmith during residential service calls.Door hardware — install pre-selected locks and closers on standard residential doors following step-by-step instructions from a supervising technician.Hand tools and picks — handle and care for basic locksmith tools under close guidance during entry-level on-the-job training.Customer service interactions — greet customers and gather job information under supervision, applying active listening skills at a service counter.Work order records — log completed jobs and key duplication orders into a paper or digital logbook following established data entry procedures.Safe lock terminology — identify common safe lock types and describe their basic function when reviewing training materials with a mentor.Security codes and regulations — recall basic public safety guidelines relevant to key duplication and locksmith services as taught in introductory training.Impressions for key cutting — assist in taking and reading basic key impressions under direct oversight during supervised practice sessions.Workplace safety protocols — follow all tool-handling and shop safety rules without deviation during daily tasks at a locksmith service facility.
developing
Duplicate and original keys — cut accurately using impression and code key machines with minimal oversight during routine residential and commercial service jobs.Lock tumbler replacement — remove, reconfigure, and insert new or repaired tumblers into standard pin-tumbler locks to change combinations for residential customers.Picklock techniques — apply pick tools in cylinders to open common door locks without keys during lockout service calls, adhering to verification protocols.Residential door hardware — install and adjust a variety of locks, deadbolts, and door closers correctly on standard door frames without direct supervision.Safe lock drilling — execute basic drilling procedures to open simple safe locks when other entry methods have been exhausted, under occasional supervisory review.Customer records and key logs — maintain accurate records of company-issued locks and keys using inventory management or spreadsheet software at a service office.Service estimates — provide customers with clear verbal and written cost and timeline explanations, applying service orientation skills during in-field consultations.Common lock faults — diagnose routine malfunctions such as worn pins or misaligned strikes using systematic troubleshooting on familiar residential hardware.Time and route management — schedule and prioritize multiple service calls in a day using calendar and mapping software to meet customer appointment windows.Basic master key concepts — assist in maintaining an existing master key system by re-keying individual cylinders to match documented bitting specifications.
proficient
Master key systems — design, set up, and maintain multi-level master key systems for commercial and institutional clients, resolving conflicts in bitting specifications autonomously.Complex safe lock opening — drill, manipulate, or decode a wide range of residential and commercial safe locks, selecting the least destructive method appropriate to each situation.Non-destructive entry — apply advanced picklock and bypass techniques across diverse lock brands and security ratings to complete lockout calls efficiently without property damage.High-security lock installation — install, configure, and test restricted-keyway and electronic access-control hardware on commercial doors, ensuring compliance with security standards.Code-to-key production — generate keys from manufacturer code databases and impressioning on unfamiliar lock profiles without reference to existing keys or direct guidance.Lock and safe repair — diagnose and fully rebuild worn or damaged lock mechanisms and safe relockers, sourcing correct replacement parts through supplier and inventory systems.Regulatory compliance — interpret and apply relevant local licensing, liability, and public safety regulations when completing all service work across residential and commercial sites.Quality control verification — inspect finished installations and rekeyed locks against manufacturer specifications and customer requirements, correcting deficiencies before closing work orders.Customer problem resolution — resolve non-routine customer complaints and security concerns through active listening and clear explanation, maintaining service quality under pressure.Business records and reporting — compile accurate service histories, key-control logs, and billing data using office suite and accounting software for audit-ready documentation.
advanced
Organizational security strategy — assess and recommend comprehensive lock and key control policies for large commercial or institutional clients, aligning physical security with operational risk requirements.Master key system architecture — lead the design and long-term administration of complex grand-master key hierarchies across multi-building campuses, ensuring scalability and auditability.Team leadership and mentoring — direct and develop a crew of emerging and developing locksmiths through structured on-the-job coaching, skills assessment, and performance feedback.Technical standards development — author internal procedures, quality benchmarks, and safety protocols governing all lock, safe, and hardware services performed by the company.Advanced safe and vault consulting — provide expert analysis and opening solutions for high-security vaults and commercial safes, advising clients on upgrades and vulnerability remediation.Business operations management — oversee scheduling, inventory, pricing, and customer relationship systems using integrated software to ensure profitable and compliant shop operations.Vendor and supplier relations — negotiate contracts and service agreements with hardware manufacturers and distributors, leveraging market knowledge to control parts costs and ensure parts availability.Regulatory and legal expertise — advise ownership and staff on evolving licensing laws, liability exposure, and government security regulations affecting locksmith practice across jurisdictions.Sales and service expansion — identify new commercial accounts and develop service proposals, applying sales and marketing knowledge to grow the business within the regional market.Industry knowledge transfer — design and deliver formal training curricula or apprenticeship programs for new locksmiths, incorporating O*NET task competencies and current security technology.
Also known as
29 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Access Control Technician (Access Control Tech)Certified Professional Safe Technician (CPS)CML (Certified Master Locksmith)CMS (Certified Master Safecracker)Commercial Vault AssociateForensic LocksmithKey MakerKey Technician (Key Tech)KeysmithLock ExpertLock FitterLock SetterLock Technician (Lock Tech)LockmakerLocksmithLocksmith Tech (Locksmith Technician)Road Service LocksmithRST (Registered Safe Technician)Safe and Vault Service MechanicSafe ExpertSafe InstallerSafe MechanicSafe Service MechanicSafe Technician (Safe Tech)Time Lock ExpertVault InstallerVault MechanicVault Service MechanicVault Technician (Vault Tech)