Installs, repairs, and opens locks and security hardware.
You rekey an office building, open a car for someone locked out, and install a smart lock on a front door.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. On-the-job training or short courses; some states require a license.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Locksmithing (certificate).
Shrinking (about -2% over 10 years).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Smart and keyless locks cut rekeying work, but lockouts, safes and commercial hardware keep locksmiths busy.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to locksmith shops for apprentice jobs; some states also need a license first First: A state locksmith license or registration with a background check in about 15 states
Classes: Shop class, Electronics CTE, Business.
Official data: O*NET occupation 49-9094.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.