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

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Massachusetts employs 300 locksmiths, with a statewide median of $59,420 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Massachusetts licensing picture, and where to train.

What Locksmiths Earn in Massachusetts (May 2025)

Massachusetts median pay: $59,420 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $49,230
Experienced (75th percentile): $82,680
Top earners (90th percentile): $100,340
Employed in Massachusetts: 300
U.S. median (for comparison): $49,910 (May 2024)

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

Boston: $61,500 (230 employed)
Providence: $57,360 (90 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Massachusetts

Prices in Massachusetts run about 6% above the national average (cost-of-living index 105.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $59,420 median is worth closer to $56,163 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Massachusetts (2024–2034)

Massachusetts is projected to shrink locksmiths employment -7.8%, 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.

Massachusetts License and Certification Requirements

None required — ALOA certifications (CRL, CML) and local business licensing — regulated by the No Massachusetts state license required for locksmiths.

Massachusetts does not require a state locksmith license. Entry is through employment with a locksmith company or OJT.
Pursue ALOA certifications: CRL (Certified Registered Locksmith) for entry level, CML (Certified Master Locksmith) for advanced skill demonstration.
Check Boston and surrounding city business licensing requirements — some municipalities may require local business licenses for locksmith operations. Massachusetts' dense urban housing market and active commercial real estate sector support strong locksmith demand.

Official requirements: No Massachusetts state license required for locksmiths →

Training in Massachusetts

Greater Boston's density of multifamily housing, high-security commercial buildings, and institutional facilities (universities, hospitals) creates consistent locksmith demand. Automotive locksmith work is a growing specialty across Greater Boston's affluent suburbs. ALOA has an active New England chapter.

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 Massachusetts?

The median wage for locksmiths in Massachusetts is $59,420 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $49,230, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $100,340. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

None required — ALOA certifications (CRL, CML) and local business licensing, overseen by the No Massachusetts state license required for locksmiths. Massachusetts does not require a state locksmith license. Entry is through employment with a locksmith company or OJT.

Is being a Locksmith a good career in Massachusetts?

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

Which Massachusetts metros pay locksmiths the most?

Among Massachusetts metro areas, Boston leads at $61,500, followed by Providence ($57,360). 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 Massachusetts?

Massachusetts projects locksmiths employment to change -7.8% 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), Massachusetts statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-9094. Licensing summary compiled from the No Massachusetts state license required for locksmiths (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 Massachusetts wages · Massachusetts 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.