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Institutional Locksmith Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Locksmith - Corrections Shop

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$23.98 - $28.19/hr

The Locksmith leads, participates in, or independently performs journey-level locksmith services ... Experience and training with high-security institutional lock systems including Southern Folger, RR ...

Institutional Locksmith information

See Arizona salary details

$12

$24

$33

How much do institutional locksmith jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for institutional locksmith in Arizona is $24.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $28.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an institutional locksmith?

An Institutional Locksmith is responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining locks and security systems within a specific institution, such as a hospital, university, or government building. They manage key control systems, cut and issue keys, and may work with electronic access control systems. Unlike commercial locksmiths, they typically serve a single institution rather than multiple clients. Their duties also include maintaining security policies and ensuring compliance with institution-wide safety protocols.

What kinds of challenges might an institutional locksmith face in a typical workday?

As an Institutional Locksmith, you may encounter challenges such as responding to emergency lockouts, upgrading or repairing older locking systems, and ensuring compliance with institutional security protocols. The role often involves coordinating with maintenance teams, security personnel, and various departments to address urgent security concerns, sometimes requiring you to adapt quickly during off-hours or in high-pressure situations. Additionally, managing multiple service requests and maintaining detailed records of work performed are common aspects of the job. These challenges make the work dynamic and require a high degree of technical skill, organization, and communication.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an institutional locksmith, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Institutional Locksmith, you need expertise in lock installation, repair, key cutting, and access control systems, typically supported by a high school diploma and technical training or apprenticeship. Proficiency with specialized locksmithing tools, key machines, electronic access devices, and security management software is often required, and certifications such as Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL) can be an advantage. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and excellent interpersonal skills help you interact with staff and respond effectively to urgent security needs. These competencies ensure a safe, secure environment and reliable service in complex institutional settings.

What are popular job titles related to Institutional Locksmith jobs in Arizona?

For Institutional Locksmith jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Institutional Locksmith jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Institutional Locksmith jobs in Arizona are:

Infographic showing various Institutional Locksmith job openings in Arizona as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $50,501 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Locksmith - Corrections Shop

Tucson, AZ โ€ข On-site

$23.98 - $28.19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Description SummaryDepartment - Facilites ManagementJob Description

REVISED

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Job Type: Classified

Job Classification: 5784 - Locksmith

Salary Grade: 8

Pay Range

Hiring Range: $23.98 - $28.19 Per Hour

Pay Range: $23.98 - $32.39 Per Hour

Range Explanation:

  • Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.

  • Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.

The first review of applications will be on08/14/2026.

The Locksmith leads, participates in, or independently performs journey-level locksmith services including installation, maintenance, repair, diagnosis, and troubleshooting of locking systems, hardware, and access control mechanisms.

This position reports to the Corrections Maintenance Shop Pima County Main Jail located at 1270 W. Silverlake Rd.

Essential Functions:

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department's need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.

  • Designs, implements, and maintains master key systems, ensuring secure and efficient access control across facilities;

  • Installs, maintains, and repairs locks and locking systems on doors, cabinets, safes, gates, and other public service infrastructure;

  • Responds to emergency lockouts and security incidents, providing prompt and secure resolutions during or outside of regular hours;

  • Installs and services electronic access control systems, including card readers, electric strikes, and keypad locks;

  • Rekeys locks and changes lock combinations in response to security concerns, personnel changes, or access adjustments;

  • Troubleshoots and diagnoses mechanical and electronic locking issues, ensuring timely and effective repairs;

  • Maintains accurate records of key issuance, lock systems, and access control logs to support accountability and policy compliance;

  • Collaborates with security, maintenance, and administrative personnel to enhance facility safety and access strategies;

  • Fabricates and duplicates keys using manual and automated equipment;

  • Performs preventive maintenance on locks and access systems to extend equipment life and reduce downtime;

  • Interprets and applies blueprints, floor plans, and technical drawings to guide lock installations and upgrades;

  • Ensures compliance with safety codes, ADA requirements, and applicable regulations governing physical security systems.

Minimum Qualifications:

Completion of an industry-recognized apprenticeship program in locksmithing AND one year of journey-level experience working as a locksmith.

(Relevant education may substitute for up to six months of the aforementioned experience.)

OR:

Five years of journey-level experience performing locksmith duties OR two years with Pima County as a Trades Maintenance Technician performing locksmith-related work.

(Relevant education may substitute for up to two and one-half years of the aforementioned experience.)

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.):

  • Experience in a wide range of locksmith and electronic access system duties, including the installation, maintenance, and repair of locks, doors, and production of keys for commercial-grade hardware.

  • Experience maintaining master key code systems, including records and documentation of issued keys.

  • Experience and training with high-security institutional lock systems including Southern Folger, RR rink, Midwest Detention, Airteq, and Corbin Russwin hardware.

  • Experience reading and understanding blueprints/hardware schedules.

  • Experience performing basic repairs related to wood and hollow metal doors, frames, and hardware.

  • Experience and willingness to perform other building maintenance duties.

Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources.Additionalassessments/testing may berequiredas part of the selection process.

Supplemental Information:

Licenses and Certificates:Valid driver license isrequiredat time of application.ValidAZdriver license isrequiredat time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review todetermineapplicant's suitability tooperatecounty vehiclesin accordance withPima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain andmaintainthe required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services' review and approval of the candidate's driving record.

Special Notice Items: The ability to obtain a jail pass is required. The Countyrequirespre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. Some positions may require satisfactory completion of a personal background investigation by the court or law enforcement agencies, due to the need for access to County Attorney and Court facilities, records, and communication systems. This position will require apost-job offer physicaland/or drug screen.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Post-job offer physical required. Some positions require the ability to: lift and carry up to seventy-five pounds; safely operate assigned vehicles and other powered equipment; safely wear required safety clothing/equipment; work with noxious or potentially hazardous chemicals, compounds or products; ascend and descend ladders and stairs to reach and work upon elevated or below-grade work platforms and job sites; differentiate between colors.Action Activity - bending, climbing and reaching; Motion Action - grapsing; Hearing Activity - on the radio, behindthemselves and equipment alarms; Speaking Activity - in person, on the phone, on the radio and on the cell; Vision - operate motor vehicle, operate machinery, distinguish colors, have depth perception and peripheral vision.

Working Conditions: Works in extremes of heat, humidity, dust, and cold. Works in the presence of obnoxious odors. May perform duties at a correctional facility/detention center or other high-security area.

EEO Information:Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practiceson the basis ofrace, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.