Locksmith
A locksmith is a skilled professional specialized in the installation, maintenance, and repair of locks and security systems. They play a crucial role in emergency situations, such as unlocking cars, changing locks after break-ins, or accessing secure areas like bank vaults. Locksmiths often work independently, providing services from their own shops or vans, or may be employed in various industries like government or healthcare. The job requires a high level of manual dexterity, problem-solving skills, and integrity, as locksmiths frequently handle sensitive scenarios that demand confidentiality.
Typically, a high school diploma is necessary to enter the field, with most training provided on-the-job, often supplemented by specialized courses from professional associations. Locksmiths use a range of tools, from traditional hand tools to advanced electronic systems, depending on their area of expertise. Career advancement in this field can lead to supervisory roles or the ability to run one’s own business. The locksmithing profession attracts those interested in mechanical work and provides varied daily tasks that keep the work engaging and diverse.
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Subject Terms
Locksmith
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing
Interests: Using tools and small machines, working with your hands, solving problems, communicating with others
Earnings (Yearly Median): $52,130 annual $25.06 hourly
Employment & Outlook: 2 percent (Slower than average)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Long-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Although locksmiths are installation, maintenance, and repair specialists, some view them more as heroes for their ability to solve sticky situations or handle emergencies. They open locked car doors, change locks after robberies, and occasionally open a bank vault or locked freezer door to save a human life. Locksmiths may also install and troubleshoot electronic locks, alarm systems, or high-tech security systems.
Work Environment. Most locksmiths work as self-employed contractors and in locksmith shops. They often work out of their vans. Others are employed in industry, government, or institutions, such as colleges and hospitals. Many locksmiths work in teams of other locksmiths or with other trades and professionals in a physical plant. They often specialize in safes, automobile locks, industrial security systems, or residential protection. The job can require one to be on call at all times, or it may be limited to a forty-hour workweek.
Occupation Interest. The locksmith occupation attracts mechanically inclined people with excellent manual dexterity and enthusiasm for problem-solving using tools and small machines. Other important qualities are patience, speed, and strong communication skills. Good driving skills and physical health are also commonly required. Perhaps the most important qualifications are integrity and the ability to keep trade secrets, as locksmiths perform many sensitive jobs that could lead to criminal behavior.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The typical day in the life of a locksmith can vary greatly depending on one’s experience and specialty. An independent locksmith may have a list of appointments requiring substantial driving between job sites. Jobs may include changing the locks on the doors of a residence for a new owner, repairing a broken lock on an office desk, and troubleshooting an alarm system. Just as the locksmith is about to return to the shop, the locksmith may receive a call from a panicked traveler who has locked their keys inside the car at a highway rest stop. When the locksmith arrives, they slip a “slim jim” tool inside the door panel, releases the locking mechanism, and opens the door.
A safe expert’s day might include attempting to crack a small safe in a residence, its combination lost years ago. With trained ears and a special sense of touch, the safe expert carefully maneuvers the combination lock until it clicks into place. The safe expert then dials a new combination and gives the owner the new code. This work is routine and uncomplicated, but other jobs, like opening a bank vault, require a drill and several hours of perseverance.
The industrial locksmith may spend days or weeks working with high-tech security system installers on a new system at a school, hospital, or office building, providing electric locking hardware and other complex master keying schemes.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. The locksmith tends to carry tools and equipment between jobs in a van. Job sites can be indoors or outdoors and may require one to squeeze into small spaces or kneel for long periods. Industrial locksmiths may have their own workshops or share space with other trades.
Human Environment. Locksmiths typically perform their jobs alone. They interact with many different types of customers who demonstrate varying degrees of interest in the work being performed. Some will hover over the locksmith, asking many questions. Industrial locksmiths typically work on a team with other professionals and trades. Locksmiths may also occasionally communicate with manufacturers about products.
Technological Environment. The traditional locksmith, who deals mostly with mechanical locks, uses various hand and power tools, a duplicator, an engraver, stamping, tubular, and key-making machines. Safe experts may also use torches, stethoscopes, and soldering tools. Those working with electronic entry systems require a computer and special software.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. A high school diploma is needed for most locksmith jobs. Recommended courses include mathematics, English, communications, physics, computer science, driver training, and vocational courses, such as mechanical drawing, metalworking, carpentry, and electronics. Locksmiths must read well to decipher technical manuals, drawings, and specification sheets.
Postsecondary. Most locksmiths receive on-the-job-training supplemented by courses offered by the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA), Safe and Vault Technicians Association (SAVTA), The Institutional Locksmiths’ Association (ILA), community colleges, or technical schools. College degrees in business will be beneficial for those interested in operating their own businesses, while a degree in computer science, information science, or engineering will help an aspiring locksmith to advance to high-tech positions.
General locksmiths will reach a minimal level of proficiency within only a few months. Advancement is determined by the locksmith’s experience, certification, and training, resulting in additional pay and benefits, supervisory positions, and work on systems of increasing levels of sophistication. Some locksmiths may also continue to operate their own businesses.
Related Occupations
Bibliography
"Data for Occupations Not Covered in Detail." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 24 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Locksmiths and Safe Repairers." O*NET OnLine. National Center for O*NET Development, US Department of Labor, 23 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9094.00. Accessed 28 Sept. 2023.
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, 49-9094, Locksmiths and Safe Repairers, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499094.htm. Accessed 29 Aug. 2024.
"What Can a Locksmith Do?" Master Locksmith Association, www.locksmiths.co.uk/faq/what-can-a-locksmith-do/. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.