Locksmith in Oregon: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Oregon employs 250 locksmiths, with a statewide median of $50,450 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Oregon licensing picture, and where to train.
What Locksmiths Earn in Oregon (May 2025)
- Oregon median pay
- $50,450 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $38,480
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $62,400
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $75,130
- Employed in Oregon
- 250
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $49,910 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for locksmiths in major Oregon markets:
- Portland
- $50,270 (160 employed)
- Eugene
- $45,370 (40 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Oregon
Prices in Oregon run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $50,450 median is worth closer to $48,791 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Oregon (2024–2034)
Oregon is projected to shrink locksmiths employment -4.0%, faster than the -8.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 30 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Oregon License and Certification Requirements
No state license required — regulated by the No Oregon state license.
- Oregon 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 Oregon state license →
Training in Oregon
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 Oregon?
The median wage for locksmiths in Oregon is $50,450 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,480, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $75,130. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Locksmith in Oregon?
No state license required, overseen by the No Oregon state license. Oregon does not license locksmiths.
Is being a Locksmith a good career in Oregon?
Locksmithing requires physical presence, manual dexterity, local trust, and a licensed skill set for security work that cannot be done remotely.
Which Oregon metros pay locksmiths the most?
Among Oregon metro areas, Portland leads at $50,270, followed by Eugene ($45,370). 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 Oregon?
Oregon projects locksmiths employment to change -4.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 30 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), Oregon statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-9094. Licensing summary compiled from the No Oregon 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 Oregon wages · Oregon 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.