Locksmiths deal with installing, repairing, and managing all kinds of locks. Deadbolts, combination locks, car locks, safes, time locks and safe deposit boxes are just some of the kinds of things locksmiths handle. With the advent of electronic security, many locksmiths have also learned how to install and service a wide range of electronic access control systems and closed circuit television (CCTV) systems. Locksmiths also maintain the computer systems required to run these types of systems.

Locksmithing requires precise and produce detailed work. Good vision, spatial perception, eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity are all important locksmith skills. Because locksmiths carry a large amount of responsibility for the security of what they are locking, they must be trustworthy and should have a clean criminal record.

As locking technology improves and becomes more electronically based, locksmithing will become an ever more sophisticated and challenging profession.

On-the-job apprenticeship or training is the primary method of learning how to become a locksmith. Depending on the level of expertise required for a given type of locksmithing, this on-the-job training can take anywhere from three months to four years. Many schools offer classes and certification designed to augment or expedite on-the-job training. Helpful non-locksmithing classes include:

• mathematics
• mechanical drawing
• metalworking
• electronics

If you want to be a self-employed locksmith, a course or two in business might also help.

Many cities and states require locksmiths to acquire a license. This process includes submitting fingerprints, submitting yourself to a lengthy background check, and passing an exam. Self-employed locksmiths are required to maintain a proper inventory of locks, parts, keys and tools, and like all small-business owners, they must know how to keep records of all their finances.

Locksmiths earn an average of $31,331 per year. This amount can vary depending on where the locksmith works and whether or not they work part- or full-time. Since many locksmiths work out of small, family-owned shops, benefits are rare. Since fear of burglary and theft won’t disappear anytime soon, its likely the locksmith profession will be sticking around for a long time.

Commercial locksmiths focus their work on helping businesses with their security needs. Because businesses must often worry about protecting valuable merchandise from burglary, they often contract locksmiths to provide:

• new master key systems
• reset combinations
• re-key their door locks on a regular basis

Mobile locksmiths specialize in making on-site visits to install or repair locks. They are often called to a site when a customer claims to have lost their only keys, and must be ensure that the person is telling the truth. Many mobile locksmiths are self-employed, which gives them a great deal of freedom. However, some choose to work on-call during all hours of the day since many people need locks opened at night. It’s very helpful for self-employed mobile locksmiths to have good interpersonal skills and to develop trusting relationships with clients in order to secure repeat customers.

Master key system locksmiths specialize in designing security systems that use master keys. These systems are usually installed in larger institutions where there is a complex hierarchy of employees. Master key systems typically have grand master keys, which can open all locks on the system. Master keys open specific sets of locks and, for example, might be given to a department manager to access a specific building wing. Finally, keys for individual locks may be distributed. The master key system locksmith is in responsible for making sure each key does what it is mean to do and for customizing each lock so that institutions can assign keys according to their organizational structure.

Safe technicians sell, service and install safes for homes and businesses. Many safe technician locksmiths work for banks, which have many locking devices and related hardware that require regular service by locksmiths such as:

• vault doors
• time locks
• safe deposit boxes
• teller equipment

Because highly sensitive and valuable materials are held in safes, those who install them are often certified by the Associated Locksmiths of America to demonstrate credibility and training.

Institutional locksmiths create and manage security systems at large institutions such as college campuses, museums, corporations or governments. Large institutions often have many doors and layers of security that the locksmith is responsible for organizing and managing. The institutional locksmith is often in charge of recording which keys each person has. When keys go missing, they must know how to change the lock so the lost key no longer works without distributing new keys to everyone who uses the entrance or door in question.

Automotive locksmiths are responsible for managing car keys. In addition to replacing or copying keys, they replace locks, re-key locks, open vehicles, and replace lost transponder vat keys. Though not mobile by definition, automotive locksmiths often travel to visit stranded drivers who have misplaced their keys. Because cars are so valuable, many of their locks are more complex and sophisticated than average, requiring the automotive locksmith to have specific training.