Locksmiths are the professionals to whom people go to when they are locked out of their house or office or car. The main task of locksmiths is to repair security systems of residential, institutional, and commercial establishments. Apart from this, locksmiths also make multiple copies of keys, install and service locking devices. Locksmiths are usually self-employed; their working hours and earnings may vary from day-to-day. To become a locksmith, a person needs to undergo training and apprenticeship.

• The type of training required : To work as a locksmith, you first need to attend locksmith course. There are many locksmith schools across the country that offer online as well as offline courses. The best and most effective training courses are those that offer the opportunity for hands-on experience as well as classroom learning. To find the best locksmith schools in your state or anywhere in the country, you can look at the list of schools approved by Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
• Courses in training programs : Apart from repair locks, a locksmith needs to have a number of other skills. Some of the best training programs in locksmith schools offer courses in key making, key identification, lock picking, lock installation, commercial locks, residential locks, electronic access locks, automotive locks, high-security locks, safe and vault locks, master key systems, and home and business security systems.
• License and certifications required : The requirements for certifications and license changes across states. Some states may require locksmiths to pass only a criminal history background check to start practice. While other states may require locksmiths to pass a licensing test and undergo a training course. Having a license and certifications is useful since these help in gaining customers and retaining them for long-term.
• The time required to become a locksmith : It may take nearly four years to become an independent full-fledged locksmith. Courses at locksmith schools usually last for two to four months. If a student enrolls for on-the-job training, it will take additional months and years too. If a student gets apprenticeship opportunities, it will take two to three years for them to start their own practice.
• Average annual earnings : When locksmiths start out as trainees or apprentices, they earn a minimum wage. This may increase with their productivity during the training or apprenticeship period. A full-time locksmith may earn approximately $38,000 every year.