Career comparison
Locksmith vs. Security Guard
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. $38,020), while security guards usually get to work faster (Days to 2 weeks of training). Locksmiths install, repair and open locks, safes and access control systems. Security guards protect people and property by observing, patrolling, controlling access and reporting.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Locksmith | Security Guard | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $51,320 ($24.68/hr) | $38,020 ($18.28/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,530 – $79,400 | $30,210 – $58,840 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -11.7% (a projected decline) | +0.9% (little or no change) |
| Openings per year | 1,200 | 156,000 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | Months to years of training | Days to 2 weeks |
| Key credential | ALOA certifications | State guard card or security license |
| Work setting | Locksmiths work in shops, vans and at customer sites.. | Security guards work indoors and outdoors at many kinds of sites, sometimes alone. |
What each job does
Locksmith
- Install locks
- Rekey locks
- Cut keys
- Open lockouts
- Program car keys
Security Guard
- Patrol buildings and grounds on foot or in vehicles
- Control access and check credentials
- Monitor CCTV cameras and alarm systems
- Respond to alarms, disturbances and emergencies
- Enforce site rules and post orders
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working independently. They sit in different fields, skilled trades & construction and public safety & security, but share transferable skills such as integrity and observation.
Which should you choose?
Choose locksmith if…
- I like puzzles
- I’m trustworthy
- I like helping people in a jam
Choose security guard if…
- I’m observant and notice when something is off
- I stay calm in tense situations
- I’m reliable and punctual
Still torn? Take the Locksmith fit quiz and the Security Guard fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, locksmith or security guard?
Locksmiths earn more at the median: $51,320 versus $38,020 for security guards, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Security Guards typically train faster (Days to 2 weeks) than locksmiths (Months to years of training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects security guards to grow +0.9% from 2025–35, compared with -11.7% for locksmiths.