Occupation Details
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers
Repair and open locks, make keys, change locks and safe combinations, and install and repair safes.
Quick Navigation
Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$40,190.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$49,440.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$69,370.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
1,020
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
1,090
+7 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
112
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Some Training - Certificate or hands-on training
Experience Requirements
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education Requirements
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Sales and Marketing
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Acetylene torches
- Automatic metal lathes
- Bench drill presses
- Bent needlenose pliers
- Borescopes
- Carpenters squares
- Center punch sets
- Code key machines
- Computer inkjet printers
- Cordless drills
- Crescent wrenches
- Crowbars
- Cutting dies
- Deadblow hammers
- Depth keys
- Digital calipers
- Face cap removal pliers
- Flat cold chisels
- Flathead screwdrivers
- Hammer drills
- Hand planes
- Hex key sets
- Impressioning files
- Jigsaws
- Key gauges
- Keycutting machines
- Laptop computers
- Lock pick sets
- Locksmith hammers
- Long tweezers
Technology
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Inventory tracking software
- Mapping software
- Marathon Data Systems ServiceCEO
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Word
- Scheduling software
- WH Software InstaCode
- WH Software MasterKey
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
- adhere to safety procedures
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- move or fit heavy objects
- maintain records, reports, or files
- understand service or repair manuals
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- test mechanical products or equipment
- repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- operate crane in construction, manufacturing or repair setting
- operate lathes
- use precision measuring tools or equipment
- use spray paint equipment
- use hand or power tools
- use acetylene welding/cutting torch
- weld together metal parts, components, or structures
- burn (cut), trim, or scarf metal objects
- operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
- read blueprints
- read schematics
- read technical drawings
- read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use combination welding procedures
- use knowledge of metric system
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Cut new or duplicate keys, using key cutting machines.
- Disassemble mechanical or electrical locking devices, and repair or replace worn tumblers, springs, and other parts, using hand tools.
- Cut new or duplicate keys, using impressions or code key machines.
- Open safe locks by drilling.
- Install door hardware, such as locks and closers.
- Insert new or repaired tumblers into locks to change combinations.
- Set up and maintain master key systems.
- Keep records of company locks and keys.
- Move picklocks in cylinders to open door locks without keys.
- Repair and adjust safes, vault doors, and vault components, using hand tools, lathes, drill presses, and welding and acetylene cutting apparatus.
- Install safes, vault doors, and deposit boxes according to blueprints, using equipment such as power drills, taps, dies, truck cranes, and dollies.
- Install alarm and electronic access systems.
- Unlock cars and other vehicles.
- Remove interior and exterior finishes on safes and vaults, and spray on new finishes.

