How to Become a Locksmith in California (2026)
California employs about 2,060 locksmiths earning a median $61,010 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Locksmith here means completing a short locksmith course or on-the-job training, plus a state locksmith license in states that require one, then applying through Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.
California employs approximately 2,060 locksmiths according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $61,010 1. Nationally, locksmith employment is projected to grow -8.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,700 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Locksmith in California, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: locksmith course or on-the-job training (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a short locksmith course or on-the-job training, plus a state locksmith license in states that require one
- Licensing authority: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
- Exam: state locksmith exam where the state licenses the trade
- Median wage (California): $61,010 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Locksmith in California
How to become a Locksmith in California? Complete a short locksmith course or on-the-job training, plus a state locksmith license in states that require one. Apply through Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.
How long does it take? Most people finish a short locksmith course or on-the-job training, plus a state locksmith license in states that require one. Confirm current hour totals with the program and Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.
Do I need a license in California? Yes. California credentials this role through Bureau of Security and Investigative Services 3. See the licensing section below.
What do locksmiths earn in California? The median annual wage for locksmiths in California is $61,010 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $47,020 and experienced professionals can earn $93,030 or more 1.
How to Become a Locksmith in California
- Get training. Complete a locksmith course or paid on-the-job training. This is not a multi-year registered apprenticeship in most states.
- Apply for a state license only where one exists. Some states license locksmiths through a state agency. Many states have no statewide locksmith license.
- Optional industry credentials. ALOA credentials can help hiring. They do not replace a state locksmith license where one is required.
- Confirm local rules. Some cities add permits. Confirm licensing with Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Locksmith License Requirements in California
Most states do not license locksmiths. Some states certify this role; most do not. Confirm licensing with Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. See Bureau of Security and Investigative Services 3.
Typical path
Complete a course or OJT.
Apply to Bureau of Security and Investigative Services in states that license the trade.
Optional ALOA credentials.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with Bureau of Security and Investigative Services before you enroll.
Locksmith Wages by Metro Area in California
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers Wages by Metro Area in California
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), locksmiths and safe repairers wages in California vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | 760 | $57,320 | $64,030 | $47,320 | $91,160 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | 340 | $65,370 | $76,180 | $49,660 | $119,850 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | 200 | $57,660 | $62,530 | $44,890 | $90,390 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | 170 | $62,910 | $66,560 | $46,870 | $89,710 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | 90 | $56,940 | $61,720 | $47,840 | $84,180 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | 90 | $74,320 | $78,480 | $57,150 | $110,840 |
| Fresno | 50 | $63,770 | $65,380 | $45,870 | $82,090 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | 40 | $57,100 | $58,730 | $43,680 | $78,550 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | 30 | $62,050 | $68,160 | $48,880 | $90,520 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | 30 | $59,940 | $62,890 | $43,320 | $86,870 |
| Stockton-Lodi | 30 | $62,930 | $66,520 | $50,740 | $87,940 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for locksmiths in California? California currently employs approximately 2,060 locksmiths 1. Nationally, locksmith employment is projected to grow -8.3% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a locksmith in California with an out-of-state license? Contact the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in California? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in California.
How much do locksmiths earn in California compared to the national average? The median annual wage for locksmiths in California is $61,010, which is $10,520 above the national median of $50,490 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services - Licensing Information: https://www.bsis.ca.gov/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |