Trades & Construction

How to become a Locksmith

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

6–18 months

Typical pay

$40k–$58k

Starting from

No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   3–9 months

   Learn the mechanics

   Pin tumblers, rekeying, and increasingly electronic access control.

2. 2

   6–12 months

   Apprentice with a shop

   Most of this trade is still learned over a bench next to someone.

3. 3

   License if your state requires it

   Many states license locksmiths and run a background check.

   ◆ State locksmith licence

4. ✓

   Destination

   Locksmith

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