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Lock Technician, Safe and Vault Technician
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
In general, locksmiths sell, install, and service locks in both the residential and commercial markets ranging from basic to high security locks, keyless entry locks as well as some access control systems, window bars, and other related hardware. They also:
Specific duties vary depending on the area in which locksmiths work:
Shop locksmiths:
Mobile locksmiths work from mobile units. In addition to the duties of shop locksmiths, they also:
Safe and vault technicians have additional training in safe and vault servicing and trouble shooting. They open, service, change combinations, paint, move and install safes.
Locksmiths who service bank equipment work with mechanical and electronic combination locks, time delay devices, safety deposit box locks, night deposit units, ATMs, CRUs, treasury safes and bank vault doors.
Locksmiths usually work a 5-day week but they can also expect to be on call nights and weekends to respond to emergencies. Self-employed locksmiths may work longer hours.-
Some shops, especially mobile units, may be small and crowded, which means working around benches, counters and stock. Locksmiths sometimes are required to work in awkward or confined spaces, climb ladders, move safes, and lift over 25 kilograms. In mobile units, they may have find themselves dealing with adverse weather conditions.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working to manipulate lockpicks in cylinders to open jammed locks and locks without keys, and to fabricate parts
Interest in replacing worn and damaged parts by chiselling, filing, scraping and other tooling to correct dimensions
Interest in analyzing information to disassemble locks such as padlocks and door locks to locate defects
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Locksmiths need:
They should enjoy doing precision work, solving problems and helping people.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 94 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 05, 2022 and Apr 14, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 58 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 56 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 55 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Power tools | 52 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Hand tools | 51 |
| Attention to detail | 51 |
| Manual dexterity | 47 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 46 |
| Hand-eye co-ordination | 44 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 40 |
To work in Alberta, a locksmith must be licensed by Alberta Justice and Solicitor General under the Alberta Security Service and Investigators Act (SSIA) and must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates. Knowledge of computers, electronics, carpentry and metal work is an asset.
During the apprenticeship program, apprentices must hold a valid Locksmith Apprentices Training Licence issued by Alberta Justice and Solicitor General.
The term of apprenticeship is 3 years (three12-month periods) that includes a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year.
High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Locksmiths install, service and repair locks, originate and duplicate keys, on residential, automotive, commercial and institutional locksets. They also may install and maintain more sophisticated security, access control, and security camera systems. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Security Services and Investigators Act [pdf] and Security Services and Investigators (Ministerial) Regulation [pdf], you must be licensed by the Government of Alberta to possess locksmith tools or work on locking devices or master key systems, maintain key code records, or cut, make or sell keys or other lock-operating devices for which duplication is restricted.
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], locksmith apprentices must be registered with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training to learn the trade.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Locksmith.
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Locksmiths are employed by locksmithing companies, related security firms and institutions.
Locksmith apprentices are often required to provide their own tools.
Experienced locksmiths can advance to supervisory positions or set up their own businesses. Most locksmiths stay in this profession, making it a life-long occupation.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 7384: Other trades and related occupations, n.e.c. occupational group, 78.0% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7384: Other trades and related occupations, n.e.c. occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.7% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson locksmiths wage rates vary but generally range from $25 to $40 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices earn 60% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 70% in the second, 80% in the third.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.00 | $30.00 | $21.69 | $19.00 |
| Overall | $22.00 | $32.00 | $27.12 | $27.34 |
| Top | $26.00 | $40.00 | $32.44 | $32.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $50,056 |
|---|---|
| Retail Trade | $60,026 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $39,692 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $72,018 |
| Public Administration | $57,749 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Alberta Justice and Solicitor General website: www.alberta.ca/justice-and-solicitor-general.aspx
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Professional Locksmiths Association of Alberta website: www.albertalocksmiths.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
