Locksmiths

Career summary

#No alternate titles for this occupation CJ

Locksmiths install new locks in doors and safes. They cut new or duplicate keys and set up a master key system. They also set up codes for keyless entry locks. They help customers determine the level of security best suited for their needs. Locksmiths may also be in charge of keeping records of company locks and keys.

To repair a lock, locksmiths may take apart the device and replace worn parts such as tumblers, springs, or electronic parts using hand tools.

Locksmiths also use lockpicks or drills to unlock doors and safes when owners have lost their key. They may replace the key or rekey the device. Sometimes locksmiths are called because locks are jammed. Once they have opened these locks, locksmiths take them apart and repair or replace the worn wheels and springs.

Locksmiths use key cutting machines to create new or duplicate keys.

Locksmiths install safes. In banks they install vault doors and safe deposit boxes. They may also replace the doors and redo the exterior finishes.

Some locksmiths install and repair electronic alarm and surveillance systems.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Automobile Mechanics
• Coin and Vending Machine Repairers
• Computer, ATM, and Office Machine Repairers
• Home Electronic Repairers
• Line Installers and Repairers
• Manufacturing Production Technicians
• Motorboat Mechanics
• Motorcycle Mechanics
• Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
• Small Engine Mechanics

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to locksmiths.

• Cut new or duplicate keys, using key cutting machines.
• Keep records of company locks and keys.
• Insert new or repaired wheels into safes to change combinations.
• Move picklocks in cylinder to open door locks without keys.
• Take apart jammed or broken locks. Repair or replace worn wheels, springs, and other parts.
• Repair and adjust safes, vault doors, and vault components.
• Install and repair electronic alarm and surveillance systems.
• Open safe locks by drilling.
• Remove interior and exterior finishes on safes and vaults. Apply new finishes.
• Make sure that people requesting emergency locksmith services have the authority to do so.

Common work activities

Locksmiths perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Get information needed to do the job
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Schedule work and activities
• Control machines and processes
• Perform for or work with the public
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Handle and move objects
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Monitor and control resources
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Teach others
• Think creatively
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Perform administrative tasks
• Document and record information
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
• Evaluate information against standards
• Coach others
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Use computers
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Process information
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Guide, direct, and motivate others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, locksmiths:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They communicate with customers daily.
• Often deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous customers.
• Are responsible for their work outcomes.
• Communicate with customers in person, by telephone and by email.
• Occasionally write letters and memos.
• Sometimes work in a group or as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsibility for the health and safety of their customers.

Physical work conditions

• Work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Are often exposed to extremely bright or inadequate lighting.
• Are often exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable, such as noise from the key cutting machine.
• Are often exposed to hazardous equipment. Sometimes locksmiths may get minor cuts
• Frequently worked in cramped places that require getting into awkward positions.
• Often must wear protective attire, such as glasses.
• Are sometimes exposed to contaminants such as dust.
• Work somewhat close to other people, such as when unlocking a car.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work. Errors could result in locks that do not work well.
• Must repeat the same physical activities, such as taking apart broken locks.
• Make decisions on a daily basis that affect the employer's reputation. They rarely consult a supervisor before making a decision.
• Are able to set most tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor.
• Must meet strict deadlines on a weekly basis.

Hours/travel

• Usually work 40 hours a week or more.
• Are usually on-call to respond when customers lock themselves out.
• May work days, evenings, or weekends.

Physical demands

Locksmiths frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for locksmiths to be able to:

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for locksmiths to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• See objects in very low light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.

Skills and abilities

Locksmiths need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with things

• Repair machines or systems.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Precision Crafting and Repair

Training

To work as a locksmith, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete long-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

A few locksmiths learn their skills through formal training programs. Locksmithing programs are available online or as correspondence courses. In these programs you learn about security devices, access controls, and lock repair. Training programs usually grant a certificate.

On-the-job training

Most locksmiths learn their skills on the job from an experienced worker. Trainees usually begin as helpers. Training typically lasts at least one year.

Washington apprenticeships

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#added section 2/08 lh

#Checked info 3/4/06 cj, 2/8/11 & 11/14/16, 4/10/19 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Driver Education
• Machining

Many locksmiths are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Some employers prefer to hire applicants who have completed training. Other employers prefer to train locksmiths on the job. These employers generally prefer to hire applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers may require applicants to pass a background check for criminal activity.

Employers look for applicants who are trustworthy.

A valid driver's license is usually required. Locksmiths working on low voltage security systems are required to have an electrician's license. Certification by national organizations, such as the Associated Locksmiths of America, is preferred by some employers and can be important for individuals wanting to advance in the field of installing and maintaining complex security systems.

#Saw job announcement at Boeing in Tukwila 11/14/16 for maintenance locksmith that said preferred ALA certification, cj.

Tips

Communication and listening skills are important when helping customers.

#no change 03/04 lh or 3/4/09 cj.

Costs to workers

Workers may be required to supply their own hand tools. Some join a professional association, which may have annual dues. Locksmiths who operate their own business may be required to obtain a city license and pay a bonding fee.

#Added CTW info from txt file 2/9/11 cj.

Licensing/certification

Locksmiths must be bondable.

#This is still the case 1/26/16 lh

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Locksmiths and Safe Repairers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Some workers may receive a salary plus commission. Workers earn more if responding to off-hours calls.

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The locksmith's level of experience and responsibility also affect wages.

Locksmiths who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Locksmiths who are self-employed must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 20% of locksmiths are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Locksmith shops
• Security systems companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is declining. However, some demand may occur as the construction industry builds new homes and buildings.

Job openings will occur as locksmiths retire or leave this occupation.

Other resources

Associated Locksmiths of America 
3500 Easy Street
Dallas, TX 75247
800.532.2562
214.819.9733

Safe and Vault Technicians Association (SAVTA) 
3500 Easy Street
Dallas, TX 75247
800.532.2562
214.819.9733

US Small Business Administration 
Seattle District Office
2401 Fourth Avenue, Suite 450
Seattle, WA 98121
206.553.7310

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Locksmiths and Safe Repairers (49-9094.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Locksmith (709.281-010) 
• Locksmith Apprentice (709.281-014) 
• Safe-and-vault Service Mechanic (869.381-022) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled