Career comparison
Building Maintenance Technician vs. Locksmith
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Locksmiths earn more at the median ($51,320 vs. $49,590), while building maintenance technicians usually get to work faster (3–12 months on the job of training). Building maintenance technicians keep apartments, offices, schools and facilities running with everyday repairs. Locksmiths install, repair and open locks, safes and access control systems.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Building Maintenance Technician | Locksmith | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $49,590 ($23.84/hr) | $51,320 ($24.68/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,350 – $77,180 | $35,530 – $79,400 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +4.2% (about as fast as average) | -11.7% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 148,700 | 1,200 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 3–12 months on the job | Months to years of training |
| Key credential | EPA Section 608 certification | ALOA certifications |
| Work setting | Technicians work in apartment communities, schools, hospitals, hotels, offices and plants. | Locksmiths work in shops, vans and at customer sites.. |
What each job does
Building Maintenance Technician
- Respond to work orders and repair requests
- Repair plumbing fixtures, leaks and drains
- Replace lights, switches and outlets within allowed scope
- Service HVAC equipment and change filters
- Patch drywall, paint and repair doors and locks
Locksmith
- Install locks
- Rekey locks
- Cut keys
- Open lockouts
- Program car keys
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, problem-solving, and working independently. They sit in different fields, mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing and skilled trades & construction, but share transferable skills such as problem solving and integrity.
Which should you choose?
Choose building maintenance technician if…
- I like fixing many kinds of things
- I enjoy a different task every hour
- I’m comfortable with plumbing, electrical and carpentry basics
Choose locksmith if…
- I like puzzles
- I’m trustworthy
- I like helping people in a jam
Still torn? Take the Building Maintenance Technician fit quiz and the Locksmith fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, building maintenance technician or locksmith?
Locksmiths earn more at the median: $51,320 versus $49,590 for building maintenance technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Building Maintenance Technicians typically train faster (3–12 months on the job) than locksmiths (Months to years of training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects building maintenance technicians to grow +4.2% from 2025–35, compared with -11.7% for locksmiths.