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Locksmithing and Safe Repair: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

This program equips students with the technical expertise needed to design, service, and secure locking systems and safes in both residential and commercial environments. Through hands-on training and theoretical instruction, learners develop precision, problem-solving ability, and a deep understanding of mechanical and electronic security mechanisms.

  • Lock Mechanism Fundamentals: Study the internal components and operational principles of various lock types, including pin tumbler, wafer, disc, and electronic locks, to enable accurate diagnosis and repair.
  • Key Cutting and Replication: Master the use of key-cutting machines and techniques to produce precise duplicates and specialized keys for different lock systems.
  • Safe Installation and Security Protocols: Learn proper mounting procedures, anchoring methods, and compliance standards for installing safes to ensure structural integrity and resistance to forced entry.
  • Safe Repair and Maintenance: Gain proficiency in servicing safe mechanisms, replacing worn components, and troubleshooting mechanical or electronic failures in vaults and security cabinets.
  • Combination Management: Understand the process of setting, resetting, and verifying lock and safe combinations with accuracy and security in mind.
  • Lock Picking and Access Techniques: Develop controlled skills in non-destructive entry methods used for emergency access, testing, and professional locksmithing applications.
  • Security System Integration: Explore how traditional locks and safes interface with modern electronic access control systems, including keyless entry and surveillance networks.

Locksmithing and Safe Repair Graduate Trends (2010-2024)

61
Total Graduates (2023-2024)
2
Universities & Colleges
1
Career Pathways

Locksmithing and Safe Repair Career Pathways & Salary Outlook

The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Locksmithing and Safe Repair degrees, including Locksmiths and Safe Repairers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 15,550 professionals.


National Average Salaries

Occupation Median Salary Salary Range Total Employment Hourly Rate
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers 49-9094 $50,490 $34,750 - $79,340 15,550 $24.27

Locksmithing and Safe Repair Salary Map by State

Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $36,930 in Arkansas to $74,470 in District of Columbia—a 102% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 15,550 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.

Average Salary Range:

Top Universities for Locksmithing and Safe Repair by Graduate Enrollment

Below are the top 2 institutions offering Locksmithing and Safe Repair programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Locksmithing and Safe Repair is found at Charles Stuart School of Diamond Setting (57 graduates), and North Bennet Street School (NBSS) (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 61 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.

College Name Award Levels Graduates Location Control Website
Charles Stuart School of Diamond Setting
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
57 Brooklyn, New York Private charlesstuartschool.com.
North Bennet Street School (NBSS)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
4 Boston, Massachusetts Private nbss.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Locksmithing and Safe Repair programs

How much can I earn with a Locksmithing and Safe Repair degree?

Salaries for Locksmithing and Safe Repair graduates vary by role and location. Locksmiths and Safe Repairers earn a median of $50,490 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $74,470 compared to $36,930 in Arkansas. Approximately 15,550 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.

Which universities have the largest Locksmithing and Safe Repair programs?

Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Locksmithing and Safe Repair degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Charles Stuart School of Diamond Setting (57 graduates), North Bennet Street School (NBSS) (4 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.

Is enrollment in Locksmithing and Safe Repair growing or declining?

Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 34 in 2010 to a peak of 69 in 2020, before declining slightly to 61 in 2023-24. This represents a 79% increase overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.

What career paths are available with a Locksmithing and Safe Repair degree?

This degree prepares you for roles such as Locksmiths and Safe Repairers. Related occupations employ approximately 15,550 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.

Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

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