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Locksmith pay isn’t one-size-fits-all. Where you work, what you specialize in, and whether you work for yourself or an employer all shape what ends up in your paycheck. The national average sits around $50,490 a year, but top earners in states like Rhode Island and Washington, D.C. pull in $73,000–$74,000+, while entry-level locksmiths in lower-demand markets may start closer to $35,000.
This guide breaks down locksmith salaries by state, experience level, and job type—plus the certifications and moves that actually move the needle on pay.
*All data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (SOC 49-9094, Locksmiths and Safe Repairers), May 2024, the most recent available year for reported salary figures.
Quick answer: Do locksmiths make good money?
Yes, locksmiths can make good money, especially with specialization or self-employment. The national average is $50,490 a year (roughly $24.27/hour), but earnings range from $34,750 at the entry level to $79,340+ for master locksmiths and specialized roles in government or healthcare. Top-paying states like Rhode Island and Washington, D.C. push median salaries above $73,000. Emergency and after-hours calls carry a premium, making availability one of the fastest ways to increase annual income.
Actual pay depends on experience, service mix, location, and whether you work for an employer or run your own business. Owner-operators can earn $45,000–$100,000+ per year.
Table of contents
- Average locksmith salary by experience level
- How much locksmiths make by state: Hourly and annual wages
- What states pay locksmiths the most?
- What states pay locksmiths the least?
- What type of locksmith makes the most money?
- What factors increase a locksmith's earning potential?
- How to earn more as a locksmith: certifications, specializations, and clients that pay more
- Starting your own locksmith business
Average locksmith salary by experience level
The more experience you have, the more you can make as a locksmith. Practice, hands-on training, and specialization can all help you earn pay bumps. Whether you’re just starting out or moving into advanced roles, here’s a look at your potential earning growth.
Entry-level locksmith salary
Average salary: $34,750
Average hourly rate: $16.71
Entry-level locksmiths are typically just starting out in the field. You’ll learn the basics of key cutting, lock installation, and residential lock repair. Most entry-level locksmiths have completed vocational training or an apprenticeship and may have a basic locksmith license in their state.
Journeyman locksmith salary
Average salary: $50,490
Average hourly rate: $24.27
A journeyman locksmith has more experience and training, often 2–4 years in the field. You can handle more complex residential, commercial, and automotive locks, including master key systems.
Training typically involves a combination of apprenticeships, on-the-job experience, and specialized courses. Many journeyman locksmiths also start earning certifications from organizations like the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA), which can boost credibility and pay.
Master locksmith salary
Average salary: $38.14
Average hourly rate: $79,340
Master locksmiths have extensive experience and advanced training, often including several years in specialized areas such as safe and vault work, high-security systems, or institutional locksmithing.
At this level, you can supervise teams, consult on complex security systems, and manage large commercial or government accounts. Becoming a master locksmith usually requires advanced certifications, ongoing education, and 7-10 years of hands-on experience.
How much locksmiths make by state: Hourly and annual wages
Locksmith salaries can vary a lot depending on factors like cost of living, population density, and local economic conditions. High-cost or metro-heavy states typically pay more because the work can be more complex and in higher demand. Smaller towns or rural areas may offer lower pay, but they often come with lower overhead costs and less competition.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of locksmith salaries by state:
| State | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $21.22 | $44,140 |
| Alaska | $28.51 | $59,300 |
| Arizona | $20.83 | $43,320 |
| Arkansas | $17.76 | $36,930 |
| California | $29.57 | $61,500 |
| Colorado | $27.40 | $56,984 |
| Connecticut | $30.99 | $64,470 |
| Delaware | $24.29 | $50,520 |
| District of Columbia | $35.81 | $74,470 |
| Florida | $22.89 | $47,610 |
| Georgia | $29.62 | $61,610 |
| Hawaii | $27.07 | $56,303 |
| Idaho | $22.26 | $46,290 |
| Illinois | $22.77 | $47,360 |
| Indiana | $23.71 | $49,320 |
| Iowa | $21.63 | $45,000 |
| Kansas | $24.00 | $49,920 |
| Kentucky | $21.56 | $44,850 |
| Louisiana | $19.42 | $40,390 |
| Maine | $23.40 | $48,670 |
| Maryland | $28.51 | $59,310 |
| Massachusetts | $30.13 | $62,670 |
| Michigan | $28.16 | $58,570 |
| Minnesota | $29.53 | $61,420 |
| Mississippi | $21.64 | $45,000 |
| Missouri | $22.83 | $47,490 |
| Montana | $22.96 | $47,760 |
| Nebraska | $22.82 | $47,470 |
| Nevada | $26.12 | $54,330 |
| New Hampshire | $26.48 | $55,070 |
| New Jersey | $28.51 | $59,300 |
| New Mexico | $21.73 | $45,190 |
| New York | $28.63 | $59,560 |
| North Carolina | $20.28 | $42,190 |
| North Dakota | $23.15 | $48,150 |
| Ohio | $21.13 | $43,960 |
| Oklahoma | $21.72 | $45,170 |
| Oregon | $23.93 | $49,780 |
| Pennsylvania | $25.84 | $53,750 |
| Rhode Island | $35.15 | $73,120 |
| South Carolina | $22.09 | $45,950 |
| South Dakota | $26.05 | $54,192 |
| Tennessee | $21.69 | $45,110 |
| Texas | $21.49 | $44,700 |
| Utah | $22.93 | $47,690 |
| Vermont | $27.70 | $57,620 |
| Virginia | $27.88 | $57,990 |
| Washington | $24.29 | $50,520 |
| West Virginia | $22.42 | $46,630 |
| Wisconsin | $22.94 | $47,720 |
| Wyoming | $25.04 | $52,090 |
Table: Locksmith hourly and annual wages by state, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024. Figures reflect all locksmiths and safe repairers (SOC 49-9094)
Read more: How to become a locksmith
What states pay locksmiths the most?
Certain states pay more because of demand, cost of living, and the types of clients you’ll work with. Connecticut and Rhode Island have the highest wages thanks to a combination of urban density, aging infrastructure, and strong demand for residential and commercial security upgrades.
D.C. locksmiths also earn big. Many work with government agencies or high-security facilities, handling complex systems like electronic access control and high-security safes.
Low, Median, and High figures represent the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentile wages reported by BLS.
| State | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $30,100 | $61,610 | $74,240 |
| Massachusetts | $46,930 | $62,670 | $97,720 |
| Connecticut | $44,880 | $64,470 | $97,360 |
| Rhode Island | $37,440 | $73,120 | $86,210 |
| District of Columbia | $69,760 | $74,470 | $74,990 |
What states pay locksmiths the least?
Areas with fewer commercial properties, smaller populations, or lower service rates tend to pay less. States like Arkansas, Louisiana, North Carolina, Arizona, and Ohio fall into this category. However, lower overhead and less competition can help small businesses and solo locksmiths thrive.
| State | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $27,040 | $36,930 | $57,690 |
| Louisiana | $20,000 | $40,390 | $81,370 |
| North Carolina | $28,090 | $42,190 | $69,160 |
| Arizona | $35,350 | $43,320 | $77,490 |
| Ohio | $36,040 | $43,960 | $64,140 |
What type of locksmith makes the most money?
Some locksmith jobs pay more because of the environment, risk level, or complexity of the security systems involved. Locksmiths working in specialized institutions or government settings often make more than those in traditional residential or commercial roles.
Here are some of the highest-paying locksmith jobs:
- Local government locksmith ($74,000–$75,000): Works for municipalities, maintaining and securing government buildings, often handling high-security systems.
- Junior college locksmith ($67,000–$68,000): Manages key systems and lock maintenance for college campuses, often requiring experience with master key systems and electronic locks.
- Hospital locksmith, psychiatric/substance abuse facilities ($67,000–$68,000): Ensures controlled access in sensitive healthcare environments with heightened safety requirements.
- State government locksmith ($65,000–$67,000): Provides security and lock system oversight for state-run facilities, requiring compliance with strict access protocols.
- Hospital locksmith, general medical facilities ($65,000–$66,000): Maintains and repairs locks in high-traffic hospital settings, including restricted areas like pharmacies and operating rooms.
Do locksmiths need a license?
It depends on where you work. As of January 2025, 13 states require locksmith licensing: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Virginia. (Source: ALOA Security Professional Association) The remaining states have no statewide licensing requirement, though some cities and counties—like New York City—have their own rules.
Requirements in licensed states typically include a criminal background check, proof of insurance, an application fee, and in some cases a written exam or apprenticeship hours. Illinois, one of the strictest states, is scheduled to sunset its licensing requirements in 2029.
If you’re unsure about your state’s requirements, the ALOA maintains up-to-date licensing information by state.
What factors increase a locksmith’s earning potential?
Several factors can influence how much you make as a locksmith. Whether you’re just entering the field or looking to increase your income, knowing these variables can help you take the right steps toward higher pay and long-term success.
Certifications and specializations
Earning certifications through the ALOA can give you a competitive edge in the market. Explore credentials in high-demand areas like Safe & Vault Technician, Automotive Locksmith, Institutional Locksmith, Investigative & Forensic Locksmith, and Fire Door Inspection.
While certifications like LEED are more common in construction and building design, some locksmiths earn this credential to work more closely with green-certified commercial properties and government facilities.
Emergency and after-hours availability
Emergency calls are one of the fastest ways to increase your total earnings. After-hours, weekend, and holiday jobs typically carry a surcharge of $150–$250 on top of standard rates, and emergency hourly rates run $75–$125/hour vs. $50–$100/hour during regular hours.
Role and leadership responsibilities
Your role on the team matters. Locksmiths who specialize in one area, like residential or auto work, often earn less than those in supervisory or management positions. If you’re leading projects, training others, or managing service teams, you’re more likely to earn a higher salary due to the added responsibility and organizational value you bring.
Locksmith demand and market outlook
The U.S. locksmith industry generates an estimated $3 billion in annual revenue, with nearly 30,000 businesses serving customers across the country. While industry revenue has faced pressure in recent years due to a slower housing market and increased competition, demand remains steady for security services, and the industry returned to growth in 2026.
Looking ahead, the outlook is positive. Demand for smart locks, cloud-based access control, and integrated security systems continues to grow as homeowners and businesses invest in modern security solutions. Locksmiths who expand beyond traditional lock and key services into these higher-value offerings can create new revenue streams and position their businesses for long-term growth. (Source: IBISWorld, Locksmiths in the US Industry Analysis, March 2026).
How to earn more as a locksmith: certifications, specializations, and clients that pay more
The locksmith market is growing, and the locksmiths positioned to capture that growth are the ones expanding beyond basic mechanical work. Here’s how to make sure you’re one of them:
- Earn certifications in specialized areas like automotive locksmithing, fire door inspection, or safe and vault work.
- Stay up-to-date with electronic and smart lock technologies to expand your service offerings.
- Make yourself available for emergency and after-hours calls—these jobs pay more than standard rates and can significantly increase your annual income without adding daytime volume.
- Build long-term relationships with commercial clients or institutions for steady, higher-paying work.
Read more: 10 marketing strategies and ideas to get more locksmith leads
Starting your own locksmith business
Making the leap from employee to business owner can increase your salary significantly. While it comes with more responsibility, it also gives you full control over your rates, workload, and how fast you grow.
The biggest advantage of going independent is control over your service mix. Salaried locksmiths are limited to whatever work their employer takes on. As an owner-operator, you choose which jobs to prioritize: emergency calls, commercial accounts, automotive work, access control installs. Layer in enough of the right services and you can out-earn a salaried locksmith at the same experience level.
If you’re managing jobs, invoicing, and customer follow-up on top of actual locksmith work, the right tools matter. With Housecall Pro’s locksmith software, you can:
- Schedule and dispatch jobs efficiently
- Automate invoices and payments
- Track performance metrics and profitability
- Manage customer relationships for repeat business and referrals
Take control of your future. Start your free 14-day trial with Housecall Pro today and see how easy it is to run your locksmith business with confidence.
