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Locksmith

Quick Facts

Median Salary$46,779
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+8.25%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

A Locksmith installs door and building locks and makes copies of locks and keys for customers. Assists people who lose keys or get locked out of cars or buildings, and changes building locks as needed for security.


Core Tasks:

  • 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.
  • Install door hardware, such as locks and closers.
  • Keep records of company locks and keys.
  • Disassemble mechanical or electrical locking devices, and repair or replace worn tumblers, springs, and other parts, using hand tools.
  • Repair and adjust safes, vault doors, and vault components, using hand tools, lathes, drill presses, and welding and acetylene cutting apparatus.
  • Install alarm and electronic access systems.
  • Install safes, vault doors, and deposit boxes according to blueprints, using equipment such as power drills, taps, dies, truck cranes, and dollies.
  • Unlock cars and other vehicles.

What to expect as a Locksmith

1Earn a High school or GED Diploma

33% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Locksmith related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

295 openings for Locksmiths

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Locksmith. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.