Texas Locksmith Wages: How Much Do Locksmiths Earn in Texas?

When you think of a locksmith, a skilled professional who installs, repairs, and opens locks for homes, businesses, and vehicles. Also known as security technician, it’s a trade that doesn’t need a college degree but demands precision, trust, and steady hands. In Texas, where cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin are growing fast, the demand for reliable locksmiths is rising—not just for broken keys, but for smart locks, commercial security systems, and emergency access services.

Locksmith wages in Texas vary widely based on location, experience, and whether you work for a company or run your own business. Entry-level locksmiths might start around $35,000 a year, but those with certifications, mobile services, or 24/7 emergency response can easily hit $60,000 to $80,000. In high-demand areas like Dallas-Fort Worth, some top technicians earn over $90,000 by specializing in high-end residential security or working with property management firms. Unlike in the UK or the UK, where pay is often tied to union rates, Texas locksmiths earn more based on what they deliver—speed, reliability, and customer trust.

What sets apart the highest earners isn’t just technical skill—it’s knowing how to market yourself. Many successful locksmiths in Texas offer bundled services: lock installation, safe repair, key duplication, and even alarm system setup. Some pair their trade with a mobile app for instant booking, turning a local service into a scalable business. The best locksmiths don’t wait for calls—they build relationships with real estate agents, property managers, and auto dealers who refer customers regularly.

If you’re thinking about entering this field, Texas offers one of the most open paths in the U.S. No state license is required statewide, though some cities like Houston have local rules. That means you can start training quickly—often in under six weeks—with hands-on courses that teach everything from pin tumbler locks to electronic access control. Many people start part-time while keeping another job, then go full-time once they build a client base.

There’s no mystery to why this trade pays well: people need it every day. Locked out of your car at midnight? Your office locked up after hours? A broken deadbolt on a rental property? These aren’t emergencies you can delay. That’s why locksmiths in Texas don’t just get paid for their time—they get paid for being there when no one else is.

Below, you’ll find real insights from people who’ve walked this path—what they earned, how they grew their business, and the exact steps they took to go from beginner to top earner. Whether you’re looking to switch careers, add a side hustle, or build a full-time trade business, the data here will show you what’s possible in Texas.