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Locksmiths Job Overview

Locksmiths are responsible for adjusting, installing, selling, repairing and opening locks. They repair damaged locks by replacing tumblers, springs and other parts. Locksmiths also change lock combinations and make keys. Some locksmiths specialize in installing and repairing burglar and fire alarm systems while others work for large industrial plants, small businesses or government agencies.

Locksmiths Schools and Degrees

The Master Locksmiths Association offers courses for locksmiths. Programs offered by the MLA teach students about access controls, security devices and lock repair. However, prior to applying for this program, one needs to have a clear criminal background. Students can also opt for correspondence locksmith courses that are offered by a number of technical and vocational schools. Nevertheless, most locksmiths learn their skills on the job from an experienced worker. Some organizations also offer trainee positions for those starting out in this profession. Training usually lasts for one year.

Job Requirements

Employers generally prefer candidates with a high school degree. Those interested in entering this profession should take courses in mechanical drawing, mathematics and machine shop. Prior experience in engineering and carpentry can also prove to be helpful. In some states, locksmiths are required to have a license.

To be a successful locksmith, one should develop personal traits like tactfulness and dependability. Locksmiths need to have a pleasant, positive and supportive attitude towards the people they work with. Mechanical aptitude, excellent eyesight, hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are of extreme importance. It is also necessary to maintain a neat appearance and strong interpersonal skills. These are particularly vital since building a good reputation is crucial for success in this profession.

Nature of Work

Most locksmiths work in small, well kept locksmith shops, while many have their own businesses. Hardware and department stores sometimes employ locksmiths. Some of them work for manufacturers of safes and locks, or large industrial plants. With the increasing awareness and demand for security, locksmiths are often requested to install and service electronic security systems. They might occasionally have to work in bad weather, uncomfortable positions and for long hours. Locksmiths also spend a lot of their time travelling from job to job. Their work hours may vary greatly depending on the number of emergencies, so odd work hours are common.

Locksmiths Jobs and Outlook

According to research in 2006, locksmiths held about 26,000 jobs in the US. Employment is the highest in the following industries:

• Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
• Elementary and Secondary Schools
• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
• Investigation and Security Services
• State Government

The mean hourly wage for locksmiths in the US is about $16.55, while mean annual wages are around $34,430.

Job Numbers and Growth

If you add up all the locksmiths in the country you get a total of about 26,000. There has been a very low unemployment rate for workers. An unfortunate 2% of employees were without jobs in 2008.

Area Job Conditions

Employees appear most common in Houma (Louisiana), Gainesville (Florida), and Medford (Oregon), and least common in Fort Worth (Texas), Minneapolis (Minnesota), and Louisville (Kentucky).

Ocala (Florida), Bridgeport (Connecticut), and New Haven (Connecticut) offer the highest pay. Tucson (Arizona), Mobile (Alabama), and Atlanta (Georgia) offer the lowest salaries.

Training and Education

Moderate-term on-the-job training is often necessary for working in the field. Some college, below a 4-year degree, is sufficient for 33% of locksmiths. Workers with only a high school education represent about 56% of all. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.

Part-Time Work and Self-Employment

Government statistics report that 11% of locksmiths are employed part-time. Workers who work for themselves total about 28%.

Locksmiths by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)

In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Kentucky

Louisiana

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Missouri

Nebraska

Nevada

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

Texas

Washington

Wisconsin