Locksmith Income UK: How Much Do Locksmiths Earn in the UK?

When you think of a locksmith, a skilled professional who installs, repairs, and opens locks for homes, businesses, and vehicles. Also known as a security technician, it is one of the most hands-on, in-demand trades in the UK—especially as home and business security needs keep rising. Unlike many jobs that require years of university, becoming a locksmith takes weeks to a few months of training, and you can start earning fast.

Locksmith income in the UK isn’t just about hourly rates. It’s about call-outs, emergency services, and repeat customers. A qualified locksmith in London or Manchester can easily make £40 to £80 per hour, and emergency calls—like being locked out at midnight—often cost £100 or more. Many full-time locksmiths earn between £30,000 and £50,000 a year. Those who run their own businesses, offer 24/7 services, or specialize in high-security locks, safes, or electronic systems can hit £60,000 or more. This isn’t guesswork—it’s what real people are making right now, according to industry surveys and job boards like Indeed and Checkatrade.

What makes this trade stand out? It doesn’t need a degree. You don’t need to work under someone for a decade. You learn the basics through a vocational course, a short, practical training program focused on real-world skills. Also known as a trade certification, it’s the gateway into this field. After that, you get certified by a body like the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), buy your tools, and start taking jobs. The demand is steady: people lose keys, get burglarized, move homes, upgrade security. Every day brings new work.

And it’s not just about locks. Modern locksmiths work with digital access systems, key fobs, biometric locks, and smart home security. That means your skills can grow as technology does. You’re not stuck doing the same thing for 20 years—you can specialize, upgrade, and charge more.

There’s also flexibility. Many locksmiths work for themselves. You can start part-time while keeping another job. You can work for a security company or build your own brand. You don’t need a big office—just a van, tools, and a phone.

If you’re wondering whether this job is worth it, look at the numbers: the UK has a shortage of qualified locksmiths. Companies are struggling to fill roles. That means better pay, less competition, and more control over your schedule. This isn’t a job you fall into—it’s a trade you can build a solid career in, even without a university degree.

Below, you’ll find real posts that break down exactly how much locksmiths earn across different regions, what training you actually need, how to get certified, and how to turn this into a full-time income—even if you’re starting from scratch.