• Cutting keys and serving customers by answering questions and advising clients on products
• Repairing, installing, and adjusting locks, as well as changing lock combinations
• Using a variety of hand tools including metal saws, files, and welding and soldering equipment
• Working on residential, automotive, commercial, and institutional locksets
• Installing, programming, and repairing electronic locks and working with high security locks
• Using special tools to determine combination or drill into damaged bank safes or vaults
• Working alone in a position of trust, without much supervision to get the job done

• Secondary school diploma; math, English, and science credits are assets
• Training in welding, electronics, carpentry, and metalworking would be beneficial
• While not mandatory, completion of a 6,000-hour apprenticeship, including a combination of on-the-job and in-school training, is recommended

• Generally 40-hour week; possibility of on-call, evenings, or weekends
• Work could be in well-lit shops in plazas or malls, or small, crowded shops/mobile units
• May work in awkward/confined spaces or work/travel in adverse weather conditions
• Keeping up with new technology important
• Employers include security firms, locksmith companies, car dealerships, hardware stores

Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $25.63-$43.50 per hour.

Locksmith (259L)

If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Locksmith (259L) may be for you!

You might want to look at these similar trades as well;

• Machinist
• Facilities Maintenance Technician
• Security Systems Technician
• Saw Filer/Fitter