Career comparison
Electrician vs. Locksmith
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Electricians earn more at the median ($63,190 vs. $51,320), while locksmiths usually get to work faster (Months to years of training of training). Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, panels and equipment safely to code. 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
| Electrician | Locksmith | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $63,190 ($30.38/hr) | $51,320 ($24.68/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $42,640 – $108,510 | $35,530 – $79,400 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +9.2% (much faster than average) | -11.7% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 72,700 | 1,200 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship) | Months to years of training |
| Key credential | Journeyman electrician license | ALOA certifications |
| Work setting | Electricians work indoors and outdoors at construction sites, homes, businesses and factories. | Locksmiths work in shops, vans and at customer sites.. |
What each job does
Electrician
- Read blueprints, schematics and electrical plans
- Install conduit, wiring, panels, breakers, receptacles and fixtures
- Inspect and test electrical systems with meters and testers
- Troubleshoot and repair faults in circuits, motors and controls
- Follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local codes
Locksmith
- Install locks
- Rekey locks
- Cut keys
- Open lockouts
- Program car keys
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work and problem-solving. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose electrician if…
- I like working with my hands and solving technical problems
- I’m comfortable with math and following detailed diagrams
- I respect safety rules, and follow them every time
Choose locksmith if…
- I like puzzles
- I’m trustworthy
- I like helping people in a jam
Still torn? Take the Electrician fit quiz and the Locksmith fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, electrician or locksmith?
Electricians earn more at the median: $63,190 versus $51,320 for locksmiths, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Locksmiths typically train faster (Months to years of training) than electricians (4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects electricians to grow +9.2% from 2025–35, compared with -11.7% for locksmiths.