Locksmith in Hawaii: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Hawaii employs 50 locksmiths, with a statewide median of $64,490 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Hawaii licensing picture, and where to train.
What Locksmiths Earn in Hawaii (May 2025)
- Hawaii median pay
- $64,490 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $30,720
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $73,790
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $82,280
- Employed in Hawaii
- 50
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $49,910 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for locksmiths in major Hawaii markets:
- Urban Honolulu
- $64,970 (40 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Hawaii
Prices in Hawaii run about 10% above the national average (cost-of-living index 110.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $64,490 median is worth closer to $58,627 once higher local prices are factored in.
Hawaii License and Certification Requirements
No state license required — regulated by the No Hawaii state license.
- Hawaii 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 Hawaii state license →
Training in Hawaii
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 Hawaii?
The median wage for locksmiths in Hawaii is $64,490 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $30,720, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $82,280. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Locksmith in Hawaii?
No state license required, overseen by the No Hawaii state license. Hawaii does not license locksmiths.
Is being a Locksmith a good career in Hawaii?
Locksmithing requires physical presence, manual dexterity, local trust, and a licensed skill set for security work that cannot be done remotely.
Which Hawaii metros pay locksmiths the most?
Among Hawaii metro areas, Urban Honolulu leads at $64,970. Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Hawaii statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-9094. Licensing summary compiled from the No Hawaii 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 Hawaii wages · Hawaii licensing/certification source
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.