How much do locksmiths make?

Entry-level locksmiths earn $35,000–$45,000/year. Experienced journeymen locksmiths earn $50,000–$75,000. Master locksmiths and owners of locksmith businesses earn $75,000–$150,000+. Mobile locksmiths in high-demand markets can earn $80,000–$130,000 working intensively. The BLS median wage for protective service workers who include locksmiths is approximately $46,000, though surveys of working locksmiths suggest higher figures for established trades workers.

What do locksmiths charge per service call?

Locksmith service call rates: residential lockout $75–$175; car lockout $50–$125; lock rekey $50–$100/lock; lock installation $100–$400; commercial lock service $125–$300/hr; safe opening $150–$500+; emergency after-hours premium adds $50–$150 to base rates. Rates vary significantly by market — NYC locksmiths charge 50–100% more than rural markets.

What licenses do locksmiths need?

Licensing requirements vary significantly by state. ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) reports 15+ states require locksmith licenses: California, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and others. Unlicensed states still require general business licenses. Background checks are standard given the security-sensitive nature of the work.

Is locksmithing a good career?

Locksmithing offers a strong income floor with an excellent business ownership ceiling. Training takes 6–12 months. Mobile locksmith business owners are among the higher-income tradespeople on a per-hour-worked basis. Demand is stable — people will always get locked out, need rekeying after moves, and require security upgrades. Electronic/smart lock installation and security consulting are growing areas that increase per-job value.

Locksmith Salary Guide (2026): Average Pay, Rates, and Career Path

Locksmithing is one of the most under-the-radar skilled trades — steady demand, low overhead for mobile work, and a strong ceiling for business owners. Here’s the full salary picture for 2026.

Locksmith Salary Overview

By Experience Level

Level	Hourly	Annual
Apprentice / trainee	$15–$20	$31,000–$42,000
Journeyman locksmith	$20–$32	$42,000–$67,000
Experienced locksmith	$28–$45	$58,000–$94,000
Master locksmith	$40–$65	$83,000–$135,000
Mobile locksmith business owner	$60–$150 (effective)	$80,000–$200,000

Locksmith Service Rates (2026)

Service	Typical Rate
Residential lockout	$75–$175
Car lockout (standard)	$50–$125
Car lockout (high-security / push button)	$100–$250
Lock rekey	$50–$100/lock
Lock installation (residential)	$100–$250/lock
High-security lock installation	$250–$600
Deadbolt installation	$100–$200
Commercial door lock service	$125–$350
Safe opening (non-destructive)	$200–$500
Safe opening (destructive)	$300–$800
Smart lock installation	$150–$400
Master key system setup	$200–$800+
Emergency / after-hours premium	+$50–$150

Locksmith Salary by State

State	Avg Annual Salary
California	$68,000
New York	$65,000
Washington	$63,000
Massachusetts	$62,000
Texas	$54,000
Florida	$49,000
Illinois	$57,000
Georgia	$47,000
Ohio	$48,000
National Average	$52,000

Mobile Locksmith Business Income Potential

A mobile locksmith with a van and steady call volume can generate strong income:

Scenario	Calls/Day	Avg Revenue/Call	Daily Revenue	Annual Gross
Light (5 calls/day)	5	$125	$625	$156,000
Moderate (7 calls/day)	7	$130	$910	$228,000
Busy (9 calls/day)	9	$130	$1,170	$293,000

After van, tools, insurance, fuel, and marketing costs (~$40,000–$60,000/year), owner’s income is $80,000–$200,000+ on busy schedules.

Locksmith Certifications

Certification	Awarding Body	Significance
ALOA RPL (Registered Professional Locksmith)	ALOA	Entry-level credential; widely recognized
ALOA CML (Certified Master Locksmith)	ALOA	Highest credential; requires exam and experience
SAVTA Certified (Safe and Vault Tech)	SAVTA	Specialty in safe work
SCLA (State Certified Locksmith Association)	State-specific	Required for some state licensure

Career Path

Apprentice / Shop Worker
    ↓
Journeyman Locksmith
    ↓
Master Locksmith / Specialist (safe, automotive, commercial)
    ↓
Mobile Business Owner OR Commercial Security Consultant