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

Repair and maintenance

Colorado employs 380 locksmiths, with a statewide median of $47,500 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.

What Locksmiths Earn in Colorado (May 2025)

Colorado median pay: $47,500 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $35,530
Experienced (75th percentile): $55,410
Top earners (90th percentile): $70,840
Employed in Colorado: 380
U.S. median (for comparison): $49,910 (May 2024)

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

Denver: $48,560 (200 employed)
Colorado Springs: $48,000 (50 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Colorado

Prices in Colorado run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $47,500 median is worth closer to $46,072 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)

Colorado is projected to shrink locksmiths employment -6.4%, faster than the -8.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 40 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Colorado License and Certification Requirements

No state license required — regulated by the No Colorado state license.

Colorado does not license locksmiths.
Learn through an employer, apprenticeship, or ALOA training.
Build skills in lock installation, rekeying, automotive keys, and access control; bonding/insurance helps you win work.

Official requirements: No Colorado state license →

Training in Colorado

Low barrier to entry; reputation and mobile-service convenience drive income. Automotive and electronic access control are growth areas.

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 Colorado?

The median wage for locksmiths in Colorado is $47,500 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $35,530, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $70,840. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

No state license required, overseen by the No Colorado state license. Colorado does not license locksmiths.

Is being a Locksmith a good career in Colorado?

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

Which Colorado metros pay locksmiths the most?

Among Colorado metro areas, Denver leads at $48,560, followed by Colorado Springs ($48,000). 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 Colorado?

Colorado projects locksmiths employment to change -6.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 40 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), Colorado statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-9094. Licensing summary compiled from the No Colorado state license (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 Colorado wages · Colorado 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.