Locksmiths and safe repairers
SOC Code: 49-9094
Locksmiths and safe repairers carries a 24% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $50,490 and -8.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 18,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 24% AI exposure, Locksmiths and safe repairers sits 13 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 13% of them. It ranks among the more AI-resilient roles in the dataset.
Where Locksmiths and safe repairers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Locksmiths and safe repairers has ai exposure of 24%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Locksmiths and safe repairers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Locksmiths and safe repairers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Locksmiths and safe repairers (SOC 49-9094) carries an AI exposure score of 24%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 18,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -8.3% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $50,490, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Locksmiths and safe repairers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Cut new or duplicate keys, using impressions or code key machines.
- 2. Insert new or repaired tumblers into locks to change combinations.
- 3. Move picklocks in cylinders to open door locks without keys.
- 4. Cut new or duplicate keys, using key cutting machines.
- 5. Open safe locks by drilling.
- 6. Set up and maintain master key systems.
- 7. Install door hardware, such as locks and closers.
- 8. Keep records of company locks and keys.
- 9. Disassemble mechanical or electrical locking devices, and repair or replace worn tumblers, springs, and other parts, using hand tools.
- 10. Repair and adjust safes, vault doors, and vault components, using hand tools, lathes, drill presses, and welding and acetylene cutting apparatus.
Key Skills Required
- Repairing
- Critical Thinking
- Time Management
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Service Orientation
- Quality Control Analysis
- Reading Comprehension
- Complex Problem Solving
- Installation
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Law and Government
- Sales and Marketing
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Locksmiths and safe repairers?
Locksmiths and safe repairers has an AI exposure score of 24%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Locksmiths and safe repairers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Locksmiths and safe repairers is projected to decline by 8.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 18,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Locksmiths and safe repairers?
Key skills for Locksmiths and safe repairers include Repairing, Critical Thinking, Time Management, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Locksmiths and safe repairers earn?
The median annual wage for Locksmiths and safe repairers is $50,490, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Locksmiths and safe repairers?
The typical entry-level education for Locksmiths and safe repairers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Long-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Locksmiths and safe repairers?
Locksmiths and safe repairers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).