Locksmiths have varied job duties that require specialized training and expertise.
Gaining the knowledge and skills to perform the duties of a locksmith can help people start or advance their careers.
Choosing a specialty can lead to many locksmiths having greater job opportunities and earning a higher salary, compared to those who do not have specialized training, licensure, or certification.
Learn about the current trends in locksmithing and the pros and cons of becoming a locksmith to decide if it is the right career choice for you.
Pros of Being a Locksmith
Working as a locksmith can provide people with good career opportunities.
Consider the pros of becoming a locksmith, which is why many people choose this career.
1. High Demand for Locksmiths
Although some sources indicate that the need for locksmiths is on the decline, quite the opposite is often true.
There is an ever-evolving need for locksmiths who are familiar with various types of locks and security systems.
The technology used in locks and security systems today requires the knowledge and expertise of trained locksmiths to understand, install, and repair these locks and security systems.
Quickly and properly cutting keys often requires a trained, in-demand locksmith.
2. Using a Variety of Equipment and Tools
Locksmiths do not have to worry about performing repetitive tasks every day.
Becoming a locksmith requires knowing the equipment and supplies that are used to perform the job duties.
Locksmiths use various key-cutting machines to create or duplicate keys.
They use specialized locksmith tools and machines to install new lock systems and to maintain or repair existing lock systems.
The equipment and tools that locksmiths use help them to key, repair, maintain, and replace door locks, safes, window locks, car locks, and security systems.
They also set up and maintain master key systems.
3. Specialization Opportunities
Locksmiths who choose to specialize in a specific area often have several career-related benefits.
Some ways that they benefit include having the ability to hone their skills, increasing their career growth, and having opportunities for career advancement.
Some specialized areas include working as a commercial locksmith, a residential locksmith, or working as an automotive locksmith.
Specializing in installing and maintaining advanced security solutions or working as an emergency services locksmith are some other areas of expertise.
4. Helping Clients Find Solutions
Locksmiths who provide services to residential customers, small business owners, or large corporations all gain a sense of helping their clients with their lock and security solutions needs.
Providing information and advice to clients and customers also gives locksmiths a sense of helping their clients.
5. Deciding to Work for a Company or Yourself
Many locksmiths are perfectly happy working for a successful company.
Other people who become locksmiths start working for themselves.
Working for yourself allows you to set your hours and to have more say over the type of services that you want to provide for customers and clients.
6. Interacting with Others regularly
People who become locksmiths are likely to enjoy interacting with individuals, business owners, and other professionals.
Some examples of other professionals that locksmiths may communicate with include property managers, members of law enforcement, or security experts.
7. College Degree Is Not Required
Locksmiths may start their career after completing high school.
They often gain on-the-job training when they start working for a company.
They gain an understanding of various locking systems and learn about the tools that are used in the industry.
Job training for locksmiths also involves learning how to install and adjust locks, keys, and security systems.
Locksmiths who are new to the field work with experienced locksmiths to learn how to set up, maintain, and repair security systems.
Cons of Being a Locksmith
Being a locksmith has its advantages, but it also has several cons to choosing this career option.
Knowing the cons of being a locksmith is important for anyone who is considering this career.
1. Varied Work Hours
People do not always get locked out of their homes or experience security breaches during regular daytime work hours.
Locksmiths are often called to residences or businesses at night, on weekends, or holidays.
They may be called to help with emergencies that are related to locksmithing.
2. Physical Labor Requirements
Working as a locksmith is not the easy job that it may seem to be to some people.
Locksmiths work in various spaces, including cramped spaces.
They often must disassemble locking devices, repair and adjust vault doors and safes, and provide other lock or security needs.
Locksmiths may have to handle or move objects, operate vehicles, or use other equipment.
They cut materials, use drills or other equipment, and repair or replace damaged or worn parts.
Locksmiths are expected to perform their job duties correctly and quickly.
3. Formal Education and Training Requirements
It is easy to assume that all a locksmith needs to start their career is to complete high school.
That is only the first requirement.
Gaining the knowledge and skills to become a locksmith requires that students complete locksmithing courses.
Trade schools and some colleges offer these courses.
The next step is gaining practical, hands-on experience while working under an experienced, licensed locksmith.
4. Licensing Requirements
Most states do not require locksmiths to be licensed, but several states do require licensure.
Nebraska and Tennessee recently stopped requiring locksmiths to have a license.
Thirteen states still require that locksmiths obtain a license to work in the state.
Some of the states include Alabama, California, Connecticut, Louisiana, Illinois, and Maryland.
The other states that require locksmiths to have a license include New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, Oregon, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Each of the states has its requirements for obtaining a license.
5. Interacting with Upset Customers and Clients
People who call locksmiths because they are locked out of their home or their car are usually not happy people.
Companies that have issues with security equipment or systems usually have unhappy security people who interact with the responding locksmith.
Locksmiths who demonstrate good customer service skills in addition to quickly performing the needed locksmith services are likely to satisfy the needs of their clients.
6. Complex Nature of Using Locksmith Equipment
Performing the duties of a locksmith requires using many types of tools and equipment.
Anyone who thinks that working as a locksmith only requires a tool to unlock a door is in for quite a surprise.
Lock pick tools, tension wrenches, mallets, power drills, grinders, and milling machines are examples of the tools and equipment that locksmiths use.
They need to know which tools and equipment they need for every installation, repair, or lockout call.
Locksmiths also need to have technology skills to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in security systems, safes, and locks.
They need to have computer skills to perform duties such as accounting, inventory management, and understanding “smart” locks and systems.
7. Average Salary for Locksmiths
Various sources differ on what they consider to be the average salary for locksmiths.
The average pay range for locksmiths in the U.S. is $21.69 to slightly more than $26 an hour.
Although things like having a license or experience can increase the earnings for locksmiths, the salary may not be enough for some people to start training or working as a locksmith.
People who are interested in a locksmith career should check the average pay for their state and the city where they want to work.
The pay can vary a lot when considering the location where locksmiths work.
Pros and Cons of Being a Locksmith – Summary Table
| Pros of Being a Locksmith | Cons of Being a Locksmith |
|---|---|
| 1. High Demand for Locksmiths | 1. Varied Work Hours |
| 2. Using a Variety of Equipment and Tools | 2. Physical Labor Requirements |
| 3. Specialization Opportunities | 3. Formal Education and Training Requirements |
| 4. Helping Clients Find Solutions | 4. Licensing Requirements |
| 5. Deciding to Work for a Company or Yourself | 5. Interacting with Upset Customers and Clients |
| 6. Interacting with Others regularly | 6. Complex Nature of Using Locksmith Equipment |
| 7. College Degree Is Not Required | 7. Average Salary for Locksmiths |
Should You Become a Locksmith?
Locksmiths have various skills and specialized expertise.
The job allows them to work for a company or to work for themselves.
Self-employed locksmiths often choose their hours, and if they want to work in a specialized area.
Earning a college degree is not required to start working as a locksmith.
Most people who start their locksmith career gain on-the-job experience by working under an experienced locksmith.
Although having a degree is not required, there are 13 states that require locksmiths to have a license.
Some locksmiths also earn a certification to increase their advancement opportunities.
There are cons to working in the locksmith industry.
Some examples include having irregular work hours, learning the complex equipment that locksmiths use, and working in cramped or awkward spaces.
People make their own decisions about whether to work as locksmiths.
Weighing the pros and cons helps them to make this career decision.
