Locksmith School Options

Through a locksmith school, students have the chance to develop job-ready abilities for a trade that offers highly engaging tasks and the potential for self-employment. Some programs can be completed in very little time, so you can pursue locksmithing career opportunities in a huge range of settings.

Length of Training

Locksmithing programs typically take less than a year—usually about two months. A locksmith apprenticeship typically takes between three months and four years, according to the ALOA Security Professionals Association (ALOA).

Program Options

You can take a program from a locksmith training school or complete an apprenticeship with an experienced person in the trade. Many people do both. Formal education can make you a more attractive candidate for apprenticeships and help you acquire the knowledge you need to pass certification exams.

Locksmithing courses are available through vocational colleges and other training providers. In some cases, instruction is delivered entirely online.

Apprenticeships allow you to get paid while receiving on-the-job training. You can search for locksmith apprenticeships through the U.S. Department of Labor. You can also try contacting reputable locksmiths in your area to see if they would be willing to take you on as an apprentice.

Typical Courses

Locksmith training programs typically cover subjects like:

• Home and business security systems
• Key identification
• Lock installation
• Master key systems
• Key cutting and impressioning
• Automotive lock servicing
• Safe and vault locks
• Lock picking methods

Skills You Can Learn

You could develop abilities related to:

• Installing locksets and security systems
• Assembling and disassembling locks
• Duplicating keys
• Re-keying pin tumbler locks
• Developing master key systems
• Troubleshooting and problem solving

Licensing & Certification

Several states require locksmiths to be licensed or registered. Some cities or counties, such as New York City and Miami-Dade County, have similar requirements. So it's important to research the rules that apply in your area.

Typically, becoming licensed or registered involves undergoing a criminal background check, submitting fingerprints, and paying a fee. Some states have specific training requirements. Many also require aspiring locksmiths to pass an exam.

In addition, voluntary certifications for locksmiths at various levels are available from ALOA. Being certified helps reassure clients that you're trained to work with their locks and security systems. It also shows your commitment to obtaining the proper training.

Available certifications include:

• Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL)
• Certified Professional Locksmith (CPL)
• Certified Master Locksmith (CML)
• Certified Automotive Locksmith (CAL)
• Certified Forensic Locksmith (CFL)
• Certified Professional Safe Technician (CPS)
• Certified Master Safe Technician (CMST)

Education & Training FAQs

How can I prepare for locksmith school?

Although you generally won't find a locksmith class at a high school, ALOA recommends the following high school courses for students interested in this career:

• Math
• English
• Physics
• Metalwork
• Electronics
• Mechanical drawing
• Business (to help self-employed locksmiths manage the business side of their careers)

What's required to become a locksmith apprentice?

Typically, you will need to have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record. Plus, even in areas that don't regulate locksmiths, employers often require apprentices to pass a background check and a drug screen. You may also have to agree to participate in random drug testing.

Earnings

Locksmiths and safe repairers earned a median annual wage of $48,380 in 2023*, according to the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. The top earners made $76,460 or more per year.

Job Openings & Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), locksmiths and safe repairers' employment is expected to decline from 2023 to 2033.* However, an average of 1,800 jobs are still projected to become available each year over that decade due to workers retiring or transferring to other occupations.

What a Locksmith Does

As security systems have become more complex, so have the typical tasks that a locksmith performs. Some of today's locksmiths work with electronic security systems that integrate with computers and networks. That means a locksmith must be able to work with security hardware and software.

Some tasks that a locksmith might perform in a typical day include:

• Installing locks and deadbolts
• Answering emergency calls to unlock buildings or cars
• Repairing damaged locks
• Re-keying locks
• Copying keys or access cards
• Creating or programming new keys or cards
• Installing alarm or surveillance systems
• Advising clients on the best type of locks
• Installing and servicing safes and deposit boxes

Work Settings

Locksmiths are often found in settings like:

• Retail stores
• Offices
• Repair shops
• Private homes
• Hotels
• Banks
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Prisons
• Government facilities
• Car dealerships
• Construction sites

Specializations

As a locksmith, you may choose to concentrate on one or more of the following areas.

Residential: Install and service locks on doors and windows in private homes.

Commercial or institutional: Focus on more complex entry systems found in settings such as corporate office buildings, hospitals, banks, hotels, colleges, and prisons.

Automotive: Work with keys and locking systems for vehicle doors, trunks, and ignitions.

Safes: Specialize in locks for security vaults and safes.

Forensics: Assist investigators by using scientific techniques to determine how a perpetrator was able to bypass a lock or other security device.

Career FAQs

What qualities make a good locksmith?

Successful locksmiths tend to have good spatial perception, manual dexterity, and an aptitude for mechanical work. They love to solve problems and are comfortable dealing with people who are stuck in tough situations. They are also honest and dependable, with a strong moral compass that keeps them from taking advantage of their unique ability to defeat security locks.

Do locksmiths work standard hours?

Most locksmiths put in a 40-hour week. However, schedules can vary due to the need to respond to emergency calls, such as when someone is locked out of a building or vehicle.