Locksmith Salary Texas: 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 a security technician, it plays a vital role in keeping people safe without needing a college degree. In Texas, locksmiths are in steady demand—whether they’re opening car doors in Houston, replacing deadbolts in Dallas, or installing smart locks in Austin. This isn’t a job you learn from a textbook. It’s hands-on, physical, and often urgent. And yes, it pays better than you might think.

Most locksmiths in Texas earn between $15 and $35 an hour, depending on experience, location, and whether they work for a company or run their own business. Entry-level techs might start near the lower end, especially if they’re still learning key duplication or safe opening. But seasoned pros who handle high-security systems, commercial alarms, or emergency calls can easily hit $40–$50 an hour. Some even charge flat fees per job—like $100 to open a locked car or $250 to rekey an entire house. That’s not bad for work you can start after a few months of training.

What makes Texas different? It’s the size. Big cities like San Antonio and Fort Worth have more businesses, more apartments, and more cars than smaller towns. That means more jobs—and more chances to get paid overtime. Also, Texas doesn’t require a state license to be a locksmith, which lowers the barrier to entry. But the smart ones get certified through programs like the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) or take short vocational courses. These aren’t expensive. Many cost under $1,000 and take less than six weeks. You don’t need to be an engineer. You need steady hands, patience, and the ability to figure out why a lock won’t turn.

And here’s the real secret: most successful locksmiths don’t just fix locks. They sell them. They upgrade old systems to digital keypads. They install smart locks for landlords. They partner with property managers and real estate agents. The best ones turn a trade into a small business. That’s where the real money is—not just in hourly rates, but in recurring customers and service contracts.

If you’ve ever wondered if locksmithing is a real career path in Texas, the answer is yes. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable. You won’t get rich overnight, but you can build something stable without student loans. And if you’re good at it, you’ll always have work—rain or shine, day or night.

Below, you’ll find real guides and salary breakdowns from people who’ve been there—whether they started with a toolkit in their truck or took their first course online. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you pick up a lockpick.