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

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Texas employs 1,420 locksmiths, with a statewide median of $43,860 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Texas licensing picture, and where to train.

What Locksmiths Earn in Texas (May 2025)

Texas median pay: $43,860 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $18,230
Experienced (75th percentile): $50,070
Top earners (90th percentile): $59,280
Employed in Texas: 1,420
U.S. median (for comparison): $49,910 (May 2024)

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

Dallas–Fort Worth: $47,370 (390 employed)
San Antonio: $45,900 (110 employed)
El Paso: $37,790 (40 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Texas

Prices in Texas run about 3% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $43,860 median stretches to roughly $45,170 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Texas (2024–2034)

Texas is projected to grow locksmiths employment +4.6%, faster than the -8.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 160 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Texas License and Certification Requirements

Texas Locksmith License — regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) — Private Security Program.

Texas requires individual locksmiths to be licensed through the DPS Private Security Program. You must be at least 18, pass a criminal background check, and complete 15 hours of TDPS-approved locksmith training.
Apply to DPS and pass the state locksmith exam covering lock installation, key duplication, safe opening, and security systems.
License renews every 2 years; 8 CE hours required. Many locksmiths also pursue ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) certifications (CRL, CML) as professional differentiators.

Official requirements: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) — Private Security Program →

Training in Texas

Texas has active locksmith training providers, and the DPS application process is straightforward once training and background check are cleared. Self-employment is the dominant model in the locksmith trade — most Texas locksmiths run mobile operations or small shops. Vehicle key programming (transponder, VATS) and access control are the highest-growth skill 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 Texas?

The median wage for locksmiths in Texas is $43,860 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $18,230, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $59,280. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Texas Locksmith License, overseen by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) — Private Security Program. Texas requires individual locksmiths to be licensed through the DPS Private Security Program. You must be at least 18, pass a criminal background check, and complete 15 hours of TDPS-approved locksmith training.

Is being a Locksmith a good career in Texas?

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

Which Texas metros pay locksmiths the most?

Among Texas metro areas, Dallas–Fort Worth leads at $47,370, followed by San Antonio ($45,900), El Paso ($37,790). 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 Texas?

Texas projects locksmiths employment to change +4.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 160 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Texas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-9094. Licensing summary compiled from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) — Private Security Program (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 Texas wages · Texas 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.