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.
Pay at a Glance (BLS Data)
Bureau of Labor Statistics wage estimates for locksmiths and safe repairers, across all industries:
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $35,530 | $17.08 |
| 25th | $43,160 | $20.75 |
| 50th (median) | $51,320 | $24.67 |
| 75th | $64,560 | $31.04 |
| 90th | $79,400 | $38.17 |
| Average (mean) | $55,470 | $26.67 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers (all industries). Hourly figures are annual wages divided by 2,080 hours. “Not published” means BLS withheld the estimate, usually because wages are above its top reporting limit.
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
| Rank | State | Avg Salary | Starting Salary | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $78,310 | $60,000 | $76,740 |
| 2 | Connecticut | $69,750 | $45,520 | $69,280 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $67,510 | $49,230 | $59,420 |
| 4 | California | $67,180 | $47,020 | $61,010 |
| 5 | Alaska | $66,550 | $44,050 | $58,390 |
| 6 | Delaware | $65,090 | $45,710 | $63,640 |
| 7 | West Virginia | $63,930 | $31,970 | $56,690 |
| 8 | New York | $62,420 | $36,950 | $61,830 |
| 9 | Maryland | $62,050 | $47,720 | $60,330 |
| 10 | Rhode Island | $61,550 | $41,600 | $57,360 |
| 11 | Washington | $59,580 | $46,240 | $58,010 |
| 12 | New Jersey | $59,420 | $46,220 | $57,000 |
| 13 | Oregon | $59,010 | $38,480 | $50,450 |
| 14 | Minnesota | $58,230 | $40,040 | $59,070 |
| 15 | Illinois | $57,810 | $35,960 | $58,110 |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | $57,280 | $35,980 | $52,160 |
| 17 | Virginia | $56,140 | $34,870 | $53,590 |
| 18 | Florida | $56,110 | $36,060 | $49,120 |
| 19 | Hawaii | $56,080 | $30,720 | $64,490 |
| 20 | Montana | $55,920 | $39,730 | $56,200 |
| 21 | Missouri | $55,580 | $31,870 | $50,140 |
| 22 | Utah | $54,610 | $34,770 | $55,520 |
| 23 | Maine | $54,560 | $43,010 | $52,670 |
| 24 | Tennessee | $53,430 | $34,630 | $50,250 |
| 25 | Wisconsin | $52,970 | $37,960 | $48,360 |
| 26 | Kentucky | $52,950 | $40,410 | $51,120 |
| 27 | Georgia | $52,940 | $26,900 | $54,050 |
| 28 | Kansas | $52,550 | $37,010 | $52,930 |
| 29 | New Hampshire | $52,360 | $31,970 | $56,510 |
| 30 | Nevada | $52,010 | $37,630 | $47,450 |
| 31 | Louisiana | $51,740 | $24,460 | $46,550 |
| 32 | Michigan | $51,540 | $27,100 | $54,120 |
| 33 | South Carolina | $51,230 | $25,570 | $46,560 |
| 34 | Colorado | $50,460 | $35,530 | $47,500 |
| 35 | Nebraska | $50,090 | $34,110 | $49,070 |
| 36 | Iowa | $49,210 | $34,030 | $46,360 |
| 37 | Arizona | $49,170 | $37,120 | $44,460 |
| 38 | Ohio | $48,080 | $34,560 | $47,760 |
| 39 | North Dakota | $47,470 | $37,700 | $44,310 |
| 40 | Indiana | $47,430 | $28,900 | $47,640 |
| 41 | North Carolina | $45,950 | $29,020 | $45,900 |
| 42 | Idaho | $44,230 | $29,140 | $43,460 |
| 43 | New Mexico | $43,980 | $28,670 | $41,920 |
| 44 | Alabama | $43,730 | $29,690 | $43,340 |
| 45 | Mississippi | $43,400 | $30,440 | $42,940 |
| 46 | Oklahoma | $43,340 | $27,740 | $38,680 |
| 47 | Texas | $42,200 | $18,230 | $43,860 |
| 48 | Arkansas | $38,730 | $28,360 | $35,770 |
| — | National | $55,470 | $35,530 | $51,320 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 estimates, fetched 2026-09-29. Figures cover Locksmiths and Safe Repairers (cross-industry). Some states are omitted where BLS did not publish a reliable estimate.
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
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