Careers · Explore one path
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers
Repair and open locks, make keys, change locks and safe combinations, and install and repair safes.
Other titles employers use
Certified Professional Safe Technician (CPS) · CML (Certified Master Locksmith) · CMS (Certified Master Safecracker) · Forensic Locksmith · Lock Technician (Lock Tech) · Locksmith · Road Service Locksmith · RST (Registered Safe Technician)
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Cut new or duplicate keys, using impressions or code key machines.
- Insert new or repaired tumblers into locks to change combinations.
- Move picklocks in cylinders to open door locks without keys.
- Cut new or duplicate keys, using key cutting machines.
- Open safe locks by drilling.
- Set up and maintain master key systems.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Repairing
- Critical Thinking
- Time Management
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Service Orientation
Subjects to know
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Administration and Management
Useful strengths
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
- Finger Dexterity
- Visualization
- Control Precision
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.6 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 3.4 | Up and down through the day |
| Talking face to face | 4.5 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 4.2 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a high school diploma. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 69%
- A certificate or some college 23%
- A four-year degree 4%
- A doctorate or professional degree 4%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Accounting software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Electronic mail software
- Presentation software
- Word processing software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Inventory management software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 2,600
- Job openings each year
- 280
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- —
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2,600 | 280 | — |
| Texas | 1,840 | 200 | 4.5% |
| Florida | 1,660 | 180 | −2.9% |
| New York | 1,460 | 20 | 12.3% |
| Illinois | 540 | 60 | −11.5% |
| Virginia | 540 | 60 | −6.9% |
| Washington | 520 | 70 | 15.6% |
| Pennsylvania | 490 | 50 | −12.5% |
| Georgia | 460 | 50 | −2.1% |
| North Carolina | 450 | 50 | −4.3% |
| Maryland | 420 | 40 | −6.7% |
| Ohio | 420 | 40 | −12.5% |
| New Jersey | 400 | 40 | −13.0% |
| Colorado | 360 | 40 | — |
| Oregon | 360 | 40 | 5.9% |
| Tennessee | 340 | 40 | −2.9% |
| Indiana | 330 | 30 | −13.2% |
| Arizona | 300 | 30 | — |
| Nevada | 280 | 30 | — |
| Michigan | 270 | 30 | −12.9% |
| Kentucky | 240 | 30 | −7.7% |
| Wisconsin | 220 | 20 | −4.3% |
| Utah | 210 | 20 | 5.0% |
| Louisiana | 200 | 20 | −13.0% |
| Missouri | 200 | 20 | −4.8% |
| Iowa | 190 | 20 | 5.6% |
| Alabama | 170 | 20 | −5.6% |
| Connecticut | 150 | 20 | — |
| Massachusetts | 140 | 10 | −6.7% |
| Nebraska | 140 | 10 | −6.7% |
| New Mexico | 130 | 10 | −7.1% |
| Minnesota | 120 | 10 | −7.7% |
| Kansas | 100 | 10 | −9.1% |
| Oklahoma | 100 | 10 | — |
| South Carolina | 100 | 10 | −9.1% |
| Maine | 90 | 10 | −10.0% |
| North Dakota | 90 | 10 | — |
| Arkansas | 80 | 10 | −11.1% |
| Rhode Island | 80 | 10 | −11.1% |
| West Virginia | 80 | 10 | — |
| Montana | 70 | 10 | −12.5% |
| Delaware | 60 | 10 | −14.3% |
| Idaho | 60 | 10 | — |
| District of Columbia | 50 | 0 | — |
| Mississippi | 50 | 10 | −16.7% |
| New Hampshire | 50 | 10 | −16.7% |
| Alaska | 30 | 0 | — |
| South Dakota | 30 | 0 | — |
| Wyoming | 30 | 0 | 50.0% |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.