Installation & Repair · SOC 49-9094
Hands-on physical lock work resists automation; AI may assist scheduling and records but cannot pick a lock.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Physical dexterity and on-site problem-solving keep this role human-essential for the foreseeable decade; AI will streamline admin but won't open locks.
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$63,980 median pay
$40,360 median pay
$58,540 median pay
$62,060 median pay
$47,200 median pay
$60,500 median pay
AI job-risk card
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers is 10/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
10 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Digital record-keeping of keys and combinations, Job scheduling and route optimization, Customer invoice generation. Harder to automate: Physical manipulation of lock cylinders, On-site diagnosis of jammed or damaged locks, Emergency lockout response requiring judgment, Safe installation and combination setting.
Lean into Lock technology fundamentals, Security system integration, Customer service, Digital record management. Consider roles such as Security systems technician or Commercial security consultant or Building access manager.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.