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Locksmith
Skilled TradesYou help people who locked themselves out of their car, house, or office — usually at the worst possible time. You'll pick locks, rekey deadbolts, install access control systems, and resist the urge to judge people who hide their spare key under the doormat. Everyone calls you in a panic, and you show up like a calm wizard with a pick set.
Salary Range
Low
$30k
Median
$46k
High
$70k
10-Year Growth
average
US Workers
28K
Education
Apprenticeship or trade school + state license (varies by state)
Environment
both
Tools & Technical Skills
- ▸Pin tumbler and wafer lock picking
- ▸Key cutting machines and code cutting
- ▸Electronic access control systems (HID, ASSA ABLOY)
- ▸Automotive lock and transponder key programming
- ▸Safe manipulation and drilling
- ▸Master key system design
People & Mindset Skills
- ▸Trustworthiness and ethical conduct
- ▸Problem-solving
- ▸Customer service
- ▸Patience with intricate mechanisms
- ▸Business management
What you'll actually do
- 01Pick locks for people who are standing in their pajamas at 2 AM because they locked themselves out
- 02Rekey locks for new homeowners who don't trust the previous owners — smart move
- 03Install high-security locks and access control systems for businesses
- 04Cut keys with precision because one tooth off and the key is a useless piece of metal
- 05Drive between emergency calls all day because lockouts don't schedule themselves
- 06Explain to customers why their $5 padlock from the dollar store isn't actually providing security
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