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Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Locksmiths and Safe Repairers

Repair and open locks, make keys, change locks and safe combinations, and install and repair safes.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers
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Median pay

$50,490
Median annual pay for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-8.3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

1,700
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

18,800
Estimated U.S. employment for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-1,600
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Long-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Writing
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2Customer and Personal Service
  3. 3Public Safety and Security
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Administration and Management
  6. 6Law and Government

Abilities

  1. 1Arm-Hand Steadiness
  2. 2Near Vision
  3. 3Finger Dexterity
  4. 4Control Precision
  5. 5Visualization
  6. 6Manual Dexterity

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Integrity
  4. 4Cautiousness
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Self-Control

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  3. 3Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  4. 4Handling and Moving Objects
  5. 5Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  6. 6Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Work context

  1. 1Telephone Conversations
  2. 2E-Mail
  3. 3Contact With Others
  4. 4Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  5. 5Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  6. 6Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

Representative 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.

Software and tools

Intuit QuickBooks · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologydESCO ESCInventory tracking softwareMapping softwareMarathon Data Systems ServiceCEOScheduling softwareWH Software InstaCode

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

ChooseField compares fields using public labor-market and professional sources.