Locksmiths and Safe Repairers vs. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics: Who Earns More?
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers out-earn Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics by $700 a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Locksmiths and Safe Repairers land at $51,320 and Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics at $50,620. The education gap is real: locksmiths and safe repairer programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while automotive service technicians and mechanic programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers is District of Columbia ($76,740); for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics it's District of Columbia ($68,660).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Locksmiths and Safe Repairers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Locksmiths and Safe Repairers or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers earn more nationally. The median is $51,320 for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers versus $50,620 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, a difference of $700. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Locksmiths and Safe Repairers or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics has the better 10-year outlook at 4.2% projected growth, compared to -8.3% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Locksmiths and Safe Repairers or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Locksmiths and Safe Repairers get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers at $76,740/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Locksmiths and Safe Repairers vs. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Locksmiths and Safe Repairers earn $76,740 vs. $68,660 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.