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Locksmiths and Safe Repairers

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 137 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Least exposedband 1 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 7% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Keep records of company locks and keys.

    AI could do much of this on its own

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Cut new or duplicate keys, using impressions or code key machines.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Insert new or repaired tumblers into locks to change combinations.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Move picklocks in cylinders to open door locks without keys.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Cut new or duplicate keys, using key cutting machines.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Open safe locks by drilling.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Millwrights

    Very similar work
    +29% pay81 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 29% more—$81,814 vs your $63,581 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Near Vision
    • Finger Dexterity
    • Visualization
    • Public Safety and Security

    New skills to build

    • Building and Construction
    • Mathematics
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Physics
    • Operations Monitoring
  • Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers

    Very similar work
    +8% pay51 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 8% more—$68,591 vs your $63,581 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with less than 5 years of experience, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Near Vision
    • Finger Dexterity
    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    • Visualization

    New skills to build

    • Equipment Maintenance
    • Troubleshooting
    • Repairing
    • Production and Processing
    • Auditory Attention
  • Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

    Similar work
    +25% pay3,557 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 25% more—$79,594 vs your $63,581 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Public Safety and Security
    • Near Vision
    • Education and Training

    New skills to build

    • Building and Construction
    • Design
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Installation
    • Production and Processing
  • Riggers

    Somewhat similar work
    +71% pay90 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 71% more—$108,583 vs your $63,581 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Public Safety and Security
    • Administration and Management
    • Visualization

    New skills to build

    • Production and Processing
    • Gross Body Equilibrium
    • Depth Perception