Locksmith in California: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Repair and maintenance

California employs 2,060 locksmiths, with a statewide median of $61,010 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact California licensing picture, and where to train.

What Locksmiths Earn in California (May 2025)

California median pay: $61,010 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $47,020
Experienced (75th percentile): $80,530
Top earners (90th percentile): $93,030
Employed in California: 2,060
U.S. median (for comparison): $49,910 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for locksmiths in major California markets:

San Diego: $57,660 (200 employed)
Los Angeles: $57,320 (760 employed)
Sacramento: $56,940 (90 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in California

Prices in California run about 11% above the national average (cost-of-living index 110.7 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $61,010 median is worth closer to $55,113 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in California (2024–2034)

California is projected to shrink locksmiths employment -4.0%, faster than the -8.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 230 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

California License and Certification Requirements

California Locksmith License — regulated by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS).

California requires locksmith licensure through the BSIS (Bureau of Security and Investigative Services). You must be 18+, complete a BSIS-approved locksmith training course, and pass a background check (including fingerprinting).
Pass the BSIS locksmith examination covering key cutting, lock installation and repair, safe opening, and security hardware. Apply online; BSIS license must be displayed at your business.
License renews every 2 years; 16 CE hours required, including 8 hours on California laws and regulations. Many California locksmiths also hold an ALOA CRL (Certified Registered Locksmith) credential.

Official requirements: California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) →

Training in California

California's licensing requirements are among the more involved in the country for locksmiths. BSIS-approved training providers are available throughout the state. California's large commercial real estate market, tech industry campuses, and residential density create strong demand for licensed locksmiths, particularly in the Bay Area and Greater LA.

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who like detail-oriented technical work and want a path to self-employment without years of apprenticeship.

Think twice if: Background check requirements in many states, on-call emergency lockouts, and modest starting wages in shop settings sound difficult.

Why it's resilient: Locksmithing requires physical presence, manual dexterity, local trust, and a licensed skill set for security work that cannot be done remotely.

First Steps

Look for locksmith apprenticeships or vocational training programs, and check your state's licensing requirements before you start.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do locksmiths make in California?

The median wage for locksmiths in California is $61,010 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,020, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $93,030. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Locksmith in California?

California Locksmith License, overseen by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). California requires locksmith licensure through the BSIS (Bureau of Security and Investigative Services). You must be 18+, complete a BSIS-approved locksmith training course, and pass a background check (including fingerprinting).

Is being a Locksmith a good career in California?

Locksmithing requires physical presence, manual dexterity, local trust, and a licensed skill set for security work that cannot be done remotely.

Which California metros pay locksmiths the most?

Among California metro areas, San Diego leads at $57,660, followed by Los Angeles ($57,320), Sacramento ($56,940). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Is Locksmith a growing career in California?

California projects locksmiths employment to change -4.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 230 openings a year — a declining field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), California statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-9094. Licensing summary compiled from the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET California wages · California licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.