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

Repair and maintenance

Idaho employs 150 locksmiths, with a statewide median of $43,460 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Idaho licensing picture, and where to train.

What Locksmiths Earn in Idaho (May 2025)

Idaho median pay: $43,460 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $29,140
Experienced (75th percentile): $47,110
Top earners (90th percentile): $57,860
Employed in Idaho: 150
U.S. median (for comparison): $49,910 (May 2024)

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

Boise City: $43,470 (70 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Idaho

Prices in Idaho run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 95.5 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $43,460 median stretches to roughly $45,508 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Idaho (2024–2034)

Idaho is projected to shrink locksmiths employment -4.7%, faster than the -8.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 20 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Idaho License and Certification Requirements

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

Idaho 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 Idaho state license →

Training in Idaho

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 Idaho?

The median wage for locksmiths in Idaho is $43,460 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $29,140, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $57,860. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

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

Is being a Locksmith a good career in Idaho?

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

Which Idaho metros pay locksmiths the most?

Among Idaho metro areas, Boise City leads at $43,470. 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 Idaho?

Idaho projects locksmiths employment to change -4.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 20 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), Idaho statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-9094. Licensing summary compiled from the No Idaho 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 Idaho wages · Idaho 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.