How To Become A Locksmith

[Tyler J. Thomas]

I wrote this for my blog; figured I would share it here:

I’ve been contacted via Twitter and a few forums I frequent over the years about how someone would go about becoming a locksmith or, at the very least, getting their foot in the door. I figured I would dedicate an article to this subject to help those with similar ambitions, questions, etc.

The State of Locksmithing

Before I start getting into the meat and potatoes, let me first talk about the trade. There are a lot of misconceptions about this trade (any locksmith can testify to this).

First, no two locksmith businesses are alike. In other words, I cannot tell you what you would or wouldn’t be doing daily. Each locksmith business, whether they’re one man and his truck or they have dozens of service vehicles, has their own unique business model. Some may specialize in areas such as automotive, commercial, safes, residential, access control, all, some, or one. Successful locksmith companies have identified their niche(s) and become proficient at it. Company A might not touch automotive work, Company B might do automotive work exclusively, Company C might only do residential and commercial, Company D might do it all, Company E might specialize in safes, etc.

Second, we usually do far more than just “keys and locks”. Yes, keys and locks are a big part of most locksmith shops but we do much more. Some of us install and service access control, or card swipe, systems. Some of us install new doors and frames. Some of us open safes or move safes. Some of us do video surveillance, or CCTV. In other words, if you are interested in becoming a locksmith, there is much more to do than key and locks. I like to tell people that a well rounded locksmith is part carpenter, part electrician, and part mechanic.

Third, the locksmithing trade, like most trades, is experiencing an “age dilemma”. According to Emsi, 53% of skilled-trade workers in the U.S. are 45 years and older. That’s nearly 10% more than the overall labor force. In some states the actual numbers are especially higher than the national average. In Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and New Hampshire over 60% of the skilled-trade workers are 45 years and older. In other words, we need new faces, new blood to replace an aging sector of the trade. Jobs are plentiful. A quick search of Indeed.com as of 7/1/2017 shows nearly 1,200 jobs across the U.S. with either locksmith in their job title or job description. These jobs range from locksmiths to general maintenance jobs with minor locksmithing duties. Of these 1,200 jobs, 75 are for trainees, apprentices, and the like. In other words, the work is there.

Fourth, it’s a decent living and I can’t imagine you will ever be without work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $42,180. This is a national average, of course, and your mileage will vary, so to speak, depending on where you work. I have found, from my own personal experience and anecdotal conversations, that the numbers reported by the BLS are on the conservative side. In other words, I wouldn’t be surprised if the actual median annual wage was slightly more. Additionally, the BLS charted an expected a 12% growth in the locksmith trade between 2008-2018; this is nearly 2% more than the average growth rate of all occupations for the same period (10.1%). To quote one of my mentors in this industry, “I’ve never been rich but I’ve never had to worry about putting food on the table.”

How To Become A Locksmith

With any new endeavor in life it’s hard to know if “it” is truly for you. But, if you are convinced that locksmithing may be for your, or at least interested in giving it an honest shot, here are some helpful ways to get into and start in the industry:

Apprenticeships

This is how I started; this is the best way. You can apply online to various job postings but I have found that the best way to secure an apprenticeship is to make face to face contact with locksmith companies. Call around and ask nearby locksmith companies if they are currently hiring apprentices. Stop by and meet with them face to face. Express that you’re interested in learning the trade and make a career out of it. Explain why you chose the trade and what interests you about it. These sort of impressions are bit more effective than simply sending an email or resume in.If you know nothing about locksmithing, that’s fine, most actually prefer that – you have no bad habits they have to correct. Most locksmith companies that take on apprentices desire individuals who are punctual, have a good attitude, honest with a clean DMV and criminal history, and possess a bit of mechanical aptitude. If you have prior trade or military experience this bodes especially well for your chances.

Apprenticeships pay, but not well. After all, you won’t be able to offer much to an employer initially. Don’t let this dissuade you. The pay will come and you will be in full control of how fast you learn and become profitable for the company. I will touch on this shortly.

There is no blueprint or agreement for apprenticeships that locksmith companies follow (although states like New Jersey have guidelines for apprenticeships that tie into their licensing). Some companies have experience with apprentices and know the methodology to progress the apprentice in a timely and fitting manner. Some have never had an apprentice. In other words, your experience will be different from mine and nearly all others. Your knowledge and experience will be sculpted by the type of work they do (see above). The company may do A LOT of residential work and you may learn rekeying and residential hardware servicing and installation like the back of your hand. Or you may be utilized to assist a particular department within the company like access control. The first year I apprenticed I rarely touched a lock; I pulled wire and tied in access control panels to assist the access control technician at the company I worked at. Everyone is different.

Join ALOA

The ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc., commonly referred to as simply ALOA, is our industries largest and most well known association. By joining ALOA you will be able to greatly increase your success and network avenues in this trade.

ALOA has a membership type known as “Probationary”. Probationary members are those who are “undergoing training to qualify as an Active member, who have not received one of ALOA’s recognized program designations.” In other words, people new to the industry that don’t yet qualify for any other membership types. Probationary membership is meant for apprentices. The current cost is $235 for U.S. members, $215 if you elect to “Go Green” and receive all correspondence electronically, along with a $70 application fee. This may seem steep for someone just starting in the field but it is well worth it. It’s a small investment towards securing the median annual wage we discussed earlier.

So, why join ALOA? There are a number of reasons for someone interested in starting in this trade.

First, networking. By being an ALOA member, you will be able to actively network with other ALOA members. Hopefully, your area will have an active ALOA Chapter or locksmith association. By being a member of ALOA, you will be able to meet and, with their approval, join their Chapter or association. Chapters and associations vary but generally you can expect a few dozen members meeting multiple times a year and hosting everything from classes to banquets to manufacturer presentations and then some. This is an EXCELLENT networking tool. You will be meeting locksmiths, locksmith business owners, and those actively involved in the locksmith industry. They may not be hiring, but I bet they know who is.

Second, education. I don’t know a locksmith business owner that doesn’t recognize the value of ALOA education. Classes can cost money, yes, but for someone trying to start in the industry, it’s another great investment to show potential employers that you are serious about succeeding in the industry and that you have quality education. ALOA membership also includes a subscription to a monthly trade magazine Keynotes. Keynotes has a wealth of information that will help you learn about this trade.

Third, legitimacy. By taking the steps to join ALOA, potential employers recognize that you are a cut above the rest. Built into each ALOA application is a background check and association vetting. At the very least, you will be able to demonstrate to a potential employer that you’re taking things seriously, going about things the right way, and have passed their background check and vetting process.

Classes and Education

Classes and continuing education are important for any locksmith or apprentice for that matter. Remember what I said about being in control of how fast you learn and become profitable for your employer? This is what I mean. The faster you learn and the more you are able to learn the more valuable you will be and thus more profitable.

Take advantage of classes offered by ALOA and your local association and Chapters. Furthermore, check in with any local distributors, like Clark Security, IDN, etc. They also host classes. These are all valuable to show potential or current employers. You are learning and progressing and adding value to not only yourselves but your employer.

There are classes available online as well. ASSA ABLOY offers a number of online classes at their ASSA ABLOY Americas University. They offer a wealth of information and they are free.

I have heard good and bad about correspondence courses offered by Foley Belsaw, Penn Foster, and the like. I’m not here evaluate any of them. What I will say is that if you are interested in taking these courses, hold off. Attempt to secure an apprenticeship and join ALOA and local Chapters or associations first. If you don’t have an apprenticeship after a year, I would then advise you to go a step further and complete a correspondence course. Until then I would devote my time and resources to reaching out to companies for an apprenticeship, joining ALOA, and networking and taking classes at local events.

Conclusion

Becoming a locksmith isn’t an insurmountable task. For some it’s easier than others but that’s nearly always a matter of circumstance that you won’t have control over. Hopefully the information above will serve you well. As I said I have been in your shoes. If you have any questions, need assistance or guidance, or just want to network, I am easily reached and here to help. You can contact me on here, Twitter, LinkedIn, or via email.

[billdeserthills]

Great article, I always thought those that can't do teach, but it looks to me like you may end up writing

I have a couple of comments, far as the 'apprenticeship', I earned $5/hr ($200/wk) working for my Dad, plus room & board
which means I didn't pay any rent or hafta buy any food while I got to live at home--I also got to do all the work that came in
on Saturday & Sunday, which could top my weekly wages

I paid my last apprentice $300 a week plus room & board for him & his labrador

I still don't like ALOA and they don't speak for me

[Tyler J. Thomas]

I started making minimum wage, 24 hours a week.

[cledry]

Most of the free classes I have attended at distributors are IMHO glorified sales pitches, but you do get free pizza and soda if so inclined. The valuable classes are ones I have had to pay for. However for beginners the online courses offered by Assa are quite useful.

Most useful of all are our monthly beer and chat meetings. We generally get together the first Monday of each month, drink beer, eat pizza and talk about all sorts of things. Mostly we give each other a hard time.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

Stanley's free classes are great. Their mechanical series covers SFIC from keys to pinning. I've done a lot of Allegions classes which are all product certifications.

Yeah some are sales pitches, maybe even most, but a novice can take away a lot without spending a dollar. Also another chance to network.

[cledry]

My biggest issue with the classes is they are always scheduled in the middle of the work day. When I first started in the business the classes tended to be evening or weekend. So most busy locksmiths can ill afford taking the time off to attend classes, especially those that don't offer certification. If the certification is required to sell or service a product then it makes sense to me. Just having a certificate to hang on the wall for the sake of it, really doesn't do anything for me.

I'll have to check out the Stanley classes.

[WilsonTrucking]

To address the itch of curiosity, is ALOA strictly American or do they cover canada as well?

[Tyler J. Thomas]

To address the itch of curiosity, is ALOA strictly American or do they cover canada as well?

Worldwide, baby.

Huge contingent in Japan, Mexico, and Canada.

[Ralph_Goodman]

Huge contingent in Japan, Mexico, and Canada.

Japan? Very interesting. They have some of the strictest rules about lock picks and locksmith tools, so I guess something like the ALOA would be helpful for networking and protecting yourself from claims of illegality.

But I am surprised the ALOA specifically is big there. Do you have any idea why that group has been able to penetrate the locksmith market there?

[Big Jesse]

My first apprenticeship, I made $9 an hour. I received over 600 hours of training in a little over 3.5 months, since i was working 45 hours a week, however the shop I worked for didn't have a van for me, and couldn't afford to keep 2 apprentices in the shop at $9 an hour after the first 3 months. That particular shop was a horrible environment to work in, everyone hated everyone else, and would try to use me to get at other people they worked with, it was a large shop with 6 employees and 5 or more vans. I was happy to leave.

My second apprenticeship used me for 2 weeks, no pay, said it was a trial period, and that I would either be in a van in the end of 2 weeks, or let go. Then they finally decided to tell me they hoped I would stick around and work for free for a couple years till they were confident I could earn money for the company. Had I not been driving 2 hours each way for the job I might have done it, that's how much I loved being a locksmith. But I was losing money on gas and food and couldnt pay rent by working for free so I opted to to leave.

My third apprenticeship was with an unlicensed craigslist locksmith that gave me a broken down key cutting machine that I would connect to my car battery to cut keys, i would no shit pop up the hood of my car, connect the key machine, then sit down on the ground to cut a key. but since the cutting wheel was broken in half, it never made a decent key, and there was no buffing wheel to remove the burrs. Needless to say the keys barely worked. It was the most embarrassing moment in my life, especially when a group of 8 mechanics at an auto shop were standing 10 feet away and laughing at me, as I sat on the ground with a plumbers crack showing, trying to cut a janky ass key. I decided to leave after one day. It was a good decision. He was just a craigslist locksmith.

My fourth apprenticeship lasted 8 hours, he was another craigslist locksmith, he was a con artist that hid behind a fake company name and charged people based on how expensive their car or house was. he would have them fill out fake paperwork to make him look legit, and he if he messed up their car or door in the process of getting them in, there was nothing they could do, he was a ghost, he worked for that Israeli outfit that was kicked out of New York and operating out of Florida. But I learned how con men in the trade operate. Whats funny is, because of my solid training at my first apprenticeship, i was able to key 5 locks in the time it took him to key 2. I could work circles around him. But knew it was a sketchy gig and left. I'm pretty sure he was a coke addict too.

My fifth apprenticeship was working for Pop-A-Lock, these guys gave me 50 hours of vehicle entry training which was really good shit, i was very impressed, they then hired me on to be a locksmith because i know how to pick locks and change locks which is the extent of what that particular pop-a-lock did, but when i was assigned to my area, my area manager didnt like new guys and had me working 65 hours week changing flat tires and jump starting cars instead, i did get got open cars during the week days though, but if you received a bounced check for opening someone's car, Pop-A-Lock would take the money out of your paycheck, and you had to pay for the customers bounced check, you also had to pay for your own gas, which was $500 a month,and use your own car. I left after 3 months. They then screwed me over again a year later when I went to file my taxes, the tax form I received from Pop-A-Lock said I owed them money for renting 'property' such as a car or boat or house. I had to pay $600 in taxes for the 'property' i borrowed and had to pay taxes for being an employee, even though i was a contractor like they promised. Because my W4 said i was an employee, i wasnt able to write off the $1,500 in gas I had spent in 3 months, the vehicle expenses and tools and food i bought since i covered 2 different cities in central texas. They screwed me hard! I basically spent $3,000 in tools, gas, vehicle expenses, and then another $1,200 in taxes. They also charged me $600 for the training I received and took it out of my last paycheck. But that part I understand because it really was good training. They just had unethical business practices when it came to how they paid and treated their employees. I'm sure every pop-a-lock franchise is different.

I now refuse to be a locksmith. I now have a job offer to teach covert entry to military and leo, and a job offer to be a locksmith tool distributor instead as well.

There are lots of great honest men and women in the locksmith industry, I just havnt found them yet.

[Big Jesse]

I would like to add, the training I received from Pop-A-Lock was 50 hours in an Insurance Yard, where they store 1,000s of vehicles that have been totalled out by the insurance company, these cars are usually in very good condition and it was good training. I probably opened over 100 cars in the 5 days we were there. I then had to do 24 hours in ride alongs which was about 3 working days. So 75 hours total in vehicle entry before I was allowed to work on vehicles unsupervised.

All in all, I loved my training with my 1st apprenticeship and I loved my training with Pop-A-Lock. The reason I didnt stick around is because I didnt agree with those particular shops or franchises business practices. But I'm a disabled veteran and I'm picky about who I work for and represent. That also means I have the financial ability to walk away from a company if their ethics and business practices stink. I think most other apprentices learn to 'play along to get along' because they have no other choice.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

Huge contingent in Japan, Mexico, and Canada.

Japan? Very interesting. They have some of the strictest rules about lock picks and locksmith tools, so I guess something like the ALOA would be helpful for networking and protecting yourself from claims of illegality.

But I am surprised the ALOA specifically is big there. Do you have any idea why that group has been able to penetrate the locksmith market there?

They're active and a few of them, one member in particular, are good at recruiting. ALOA, or any association for that matter, will succeed anywhere if there are able and willing ambassadors for it.

[billdeserthills]

wrench214 I think it sucks that you have been up against so many bad employers.
I'm lucky that my Dad is a locksmith and did most of the hard work in establishing the family
business for me. I have worked for others and I well prefer to be self-employed.
Good Luck to you in your future endeavors

[Big Jesse]

wrench214 I think it sucks that you have been up against so many bad employers.
I'm lucky that my Dad is a locksmith and did most of the hard work in establishing the family
business for me. I have worked for others and I well prefer to be self-employed.
Good Luck to you in your future endeavors

thanks! i do realize however that a good portion of the fault and blame is on me, I'm not easy to get along with, and I rub people the wrong way. I know there are good locksmiths out there just like there are good marines and locksporters, sometimes some people just have to search a little harder than others. other guys are lucky and dont have to look far. ill keep looking.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

We've updated this article and permanently hosted it at a new location. Here is the link. Feel free to share it with anyone who is looking to get into the trade.