Locksmith salary in Australia: state and industry differences

What is a locksmith salary?

A locksmith salary is the pay you earn for installing, repairing, and maintaining locks, keys, and security systems. In Australia, locksmiths are skilled tradespeople who work in a range of settings—from small independent shops to government departments. But pinning down a single "locksmith salary" is tricky because official median earnings are not published for this occupation. The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not release weekly earnings for 6-digit ANZSCO occupations like locksmiths (323313). So we need to look at other clues: award rates, state distribution, and industry differences.

State differences in locksmith pay

Where you work matters. Jobs and Skills Australia data from the 2021 Census shows that locksmiths are concentrated in the eastern states: New South Wales has 31% of all locksmiths, Victoria 25.6%, and Queensland 20.1%. Western Australia has 10.2%, South Australia 7.4%, Tasmania 2.2%, and the ACT 2.0%. These numbers reflect population and economic activity, but they also hint at pay differences.

Our Salary Index benchmarks each state against the national line of $108,352 per year (index 100). New South Wales sits at 101.2, meaning typical full-time adult earnings are slightly above the national average. Victoria is at 98, Queensland at 97.9, Western Australia at 106.9, Tasmania at 88.6, and the ACT at 109.9. A locksmith in Sydney or Canberra is likely to earn more than one in Hobart or Launceston, simply because the overall wage level is higher. For example, a locksmith in NSW might earn 14% more than a locksmith in Tasmania, all else being equal. You can explore more state comparisons on our states page.

Industry differences

Locksmiths work mainly in two broad industries: Other Services (which includes repair and maintenance) and Public Administration and Safety. These industries have different pay structures. Public sector jobs often come with higher base rates, superannuation, and job security. Private sector locksmiths may earn more through overtime or commission, especially if they run their own business.

Our industries page shows indices for selected sectors, but locksmiths don't fit neatly into one. For context, the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services index is 114.7, while Retail Trade is 75.9. Locksmiths in public administration might earn closer to the all-occupations average, while those in small repair shops may earn less. The type of employer—government, security company, or self-employed—also affects take-home pay.

Award coverage and minimum rates

Locksmiths are covered by modern awards. The most likely award is the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020, which includes classifications for precision metal trades workers. Under that award, a qualified locksmith would be classified at a level above the entry-level rate. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour (index 48.2), but award rates for tradespeople are higher. For example, the entry-level award floor is $25.74 per hour, but a qualified locksmith might earn $30–$35 per hour depending on experience and classification.

You can check the exact rates using the Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database. The database includes minimum hourly rates, allowances, and penalty rates for all modern awards. Remember, these are minimums—many locksmiths earn above award, especially those with specialist skills in electronic security or safe work.

Salary Index comparison

Without a published median, we can estimate where a locksmith salary sits on the index. The national line is $108,352 per year. If a locksmith works full-time (42 hours per week, the average for this occupation) and earns $30 per hour, annual gross pay would be about $65,520. That gives an index of roughly 60. If they earn $35 per hour, the index rises to about 70. These are below the all-occupations average of 100, but above the national minimum wage index of 48.2.

However, many locksmiths work part-time (24% of the workforce) or are self-employed, which changes the calculation. Self-employed locksmiths may have higher gross income but also cover their own super and overheads. The how the index works page explains the methodology in more detail.

What affects your locksmith salary?

• Experience and qualifications: A newly qualified locksmith earns less than one with 10 years in the trade. Certifications in electronic security or safe opening can boost pay.
• Location: As shown, NSW, WA, and ACT offer higher wages than Tasmania or South Australia.
• Employer type: Government jobs often pay more and include 12% super guarantee (from 1 July 2026). Private security firms may offer penalty rates for after-hours callouts.
• Award classification: Being classified at a higher level under the Manufacturing Award means a higher minimum rate.
• Self-employment: Running your own business can increase earnings but also adds risk and costs.

Final thoughts

A locksmith salary in Australia is not a single number. It depends on where you work, who you work for, and your skill level. While official median earnings are missing, the combination of award rates, state indices, and industry data gives a useful picture. If you're considering a career as a locksmith, look at the pay guides for the relevant award and talk to local employers. And remember, the salary index is a tool to compare any pay figure against the national line—just multiply your annual gross by 100 and divide by $108,352.

For more on how pay varies across Australia, visit our topics page.