Trades & Labor North Carolina (NC) Rank #34 of 50

Locksmith Salary in North Carolina

The median locksmith salary in North Carolina is $42,504 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $46,200.

Median Salary
$42,504
vs National
$-3,696
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Locksmith Salary Overview in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina ranks #34 out of 50 states for locksmith compensation. Locksmith salaries in North Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $42,504 per year, locksmiths in North Carolina earn $3,696 less than the national median of $46,200.

A key advantage of working in North Carolina is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $42,504 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $46,200 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Carolina is significant: locksmiths at the 10th percentile earn $25,760, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $68,080 — a $42,320 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Carolina for this role is Charlotte, where the median reaches $45,276.

Nationally, locksmith employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for locksmiths across the country.

Locksmith Salary in North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level locksmith earns around $27,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,400 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,600
$-2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,240
$-3,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,400
$-5,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Carolina

Percentile NC Salary
10th Percentile $25,760
25th Percentile $33,120
Median (50th) $42,504
75th Percentile $55,200
90th Percentile $68,080

Locksmith Salary by City in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for locksmiths in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Locksmith in North Carolina

Education

Most locksmith positions require a high school diploma. North Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lock MechanismsKey CuttingElectronic LocksSecurity SystemsCustomer ServiceBusiness Management

Job Outlook in North Carolina

Nationally, locksmith employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). North Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Locksmith Salary in North Carolina

How much does a Locksmith make in North Carolina? ▼
The median locksmith salary in North Carolina is $42,504 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $46,200. Salaries range from $25,760 (10th percentile) to $68,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Locksmith make per hour in North Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,504, a locksmith in North Carolina earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Carolina a good state for locksmiths? ▼
North Carolina ranks #34 out of 50 states for locksmith pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level locksmiths earn $27,600, while senior professionals earn $64,400.
How does North Carolina compare to other states for locksmith salary? ▼
The highest paying state for locksmiths is Hawaii at $82,236. North Carolina's median of $42,504 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Mexico ($42,966) and Indiana ($42,504).
What is the entry-level locksmith salary in North Carolina? ▼
An entry-level locksmith in North Carolina earns approximately $27,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $43,240. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $64,400.
What city in North Carolina pays locksmiths the most? ▼
Charlotte is the highest paying city in North Carolina for locksmiths, with a median salary of $45,276. Other cities include Raleigh and Durham.