Career Explorer Installation and repair
Human edge, steady
Locksmiths and safe repairers
Repair and open locks, make keys, change locks and safe combinations, and install and repair safes.
In the middle of the pack: more resilient than 54% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is low (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it low), and US jobs are projected to change by -11.7% by 2035, expected to shrink. The work leans on physical dexterity and ethical judgement.
AI struggles with much of this work. Hiring is expected to grow slower than average, or to shrink.
- Median pay (2025)
- $51,320
- Job growth to 2035
- -11.7%
- Openings a year
- 1,200
- People doing it (2025)
- 18,700
- Usual route in
- High school diploma, then long on-the-job training
Where people already use AI for this work
- Set up equipment
- Maintain facilities or equipment
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Disassemble equipment
- Repair tools or equipment
- Build structures
What the work looks like
- Cut new or duplicate keys, using impressions or code key machines.
- Insert new or repaired tumblers into locks to change combinations.
- Move picklocks in cylinders to open door locks without keys.
- Cut new or duplicate keys, using key cutting machines.
- Open safe locks by drilling.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
What the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects
- Fewer of these jobs, as new smart locks, apps on smart phones, key kiosks, and voice-activated locks reduce the need to hire a locksmith to open locks or create key copies.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersHuman edge, growing, Index 94, +10.9%
- MillwrightsHuman edge, steady, Index 86, +0.9%
- Maintenance and repair workers, generalHuman edge, growing, Index 94, +4.2%
- Commercial diversHuman edge, growing, Index 97, +4.8%
Also known as: CML (Certified Master Locksmith), Lock Technician (Lock Tech), Locksmith, Safe Technician (Safe Tech), Certified Professional Safe Technician (CPS), CMS (Certified Master Safecracker), Forensic Locksmith, Road Service Locksmith.
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.