A locksmith handles locks and keys for residences, businesses and vehicles. They can make and duplicate keys, change locks, adjust safe combinations, open locked car doors, and install or repair safes.

Basics

The PayScale Web site states that as of July 2010, locksmiths make an hourly rate of $12.48 to $20.61, with overtime of $18.43 to $32.70.

Salary

Adding to the hourly rate a yearly bonus of $248 to $1,017, commissions of $1,008 to $15,260 and profit sharing of $900 to $3,600 produces a total annual compensation of $27,220 to $46,017.

Experience

In general, the greater the experience, the higher the salary, with those having one to four years of work earning $24,826 to $38,413. Those with 20 or more years make $34,392 to $53,717.

Location

The state of employment can determine salaries, with California offering the widest range and highest income at $29,163 to $58,055. At the opposite end, Pennsylvania pays $20,003 to $38,400.

Industries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, industries that employ locksmiths and their salaries include hospitals at $47,640, stage government at $45,730, and elementary and secondary schools at $44,410.