Occupation Profile

Locksmiths and Safe Repairers

(SOC Code : 49-9094)

in California

Repair and open locks; make keys; change locks and safe combinations; and install and repair safes.

Employers usually expect an employee in this occupation to be able to do the job after Moderate-term on-the-job training (1-12 months) .

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Occupational Wages

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Area	Year	Period	Hourly Mean	Hourly by Percentile
				25th	Median	75th
California	2012	1st Qtr	$21.87	$16.66	$21.78	$26.61

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Occupational Projections of Employment (also called "Outlook" or "Demand")

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Area	Estimated Year-Projected Year	Employment		Employment Change		Annual Avg Openings
		Estimated	Projected	Number	Percent
California	2010 - 2020	3,600	4,000	400	11.1	120

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Job Openings from JobCentral National Labor Exchange

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Enter a Zip Code Find a Zip code in California

Within miles of Zip Code.

Possible Licenses Required and Issuing Authority

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License Title

License Authority

Lock and Security Equipment Contractor

Department of Consumer Affairs
Contractors State License Board
License Information Center
www.cslb.ca.gov

Hardware, Locks and Safes Limited Specialty Contractor

Department of Consumer Affairs
Contractors State License Board
License Information Center
www.cslb.ca.gov

Locksmith Employee Registration

Department of Consumer Affairs
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
www.bsis.ca.gov

Locksmith License

Department of Consumer Affairs
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
www.bsis.ca.gov

About Licenses

Industries Employing This Occupation (click on Industry Title to View Employers List)

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Industry Title

Number of Employers in State of California

Percent of Total
Employment for Occupation in State of California

Investigation and Security Services

9,000

60.6%

Colleges and Universities

1,979

4.8%

Elementary and Secondary Schools

17,985

2.8%

About Staffing Patterns

Training Programs (click on title for more information)

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Program Title

Locksmithing and Safe Repair

About Training & Apprenticeships

About This Occupation (from O*NET - The Occupation Information Network)

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Top Tasks (Specific duties and responsibilities of this job.)

Cut new or duplicate keys, using keycutting machines.

Cut new or duplicate keys using impressions or code key machines.

Disassemble mechanical or electrical locking devices, and repair or replace worn tumblers, springs, and other parts, using hand tools.

Set up and maintain master key systems.

Keep records of company locks and keys.

Insert new or repaired tumblers into locks to change combinations.

Install door hardware such as locks and closers.

Open safe locks by drilling.

Move picklocks in cylinders to open door locks without keys.

Install alarm and electronic access systems.

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Top Skills used in this Job

Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Time Management - Managing one`s own time and the time of others.

Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

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Top Abilities (Attributes of the person that influence performance in this job.)

Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

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Top Work Values (Aspects of this job that create satisfaction.)

Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions.

Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions.

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Top Interests (The types of activities someone in this job would like.)

Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

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