Locksmithing is one of the oldest trades known to man, and it is still a wonder that the skill is still in high demand despite the evolution of modern society. As cities become more urbanized and the population surges, the demand for security has continued to increase. People need strong locks and security architecture to secure their homes and businesses, and who can do this better than a locksmith? No one.
This is why the locksmith industry has continued to thrive. If you are interested in pursuing locksmithing as a career, you may want to read this post until the end, as we show you the way and all the necessary information you will need to get started.
What Does a Locksmith Do?
A Locksmith installs, repairs, unlocks, replaces, and adjusts doors, locks, car doors, windows, safes, and anything that uses locks, keys, or security systems.
Besides installing and repairing these items, they also render consulting services by helping businesses and homeowners review their security architecture to identify threats and vulnerable areas while making recommendations to plug the gaps. Overall, a locksmith’s job is to make a building safer and more difficult to break into.
Locksmiths also honor emergency calls from customers who may be in a bind. They work at odd hours when other tradesmen have retired for the night.
What Is The Average Annual Income Of A Locksmith?
Before you make the final decision about pursuing a locksmith career, you should be interested to know how much income you can earn practicing this craft. Based on general data, the average locksmith’s salary is about $45,000 per annum.
However, there are top professionals who earn below or above this income range, depending on several factors. Some run their businesses, while others work for too security outfits or companies. Working overtime is another way locksmiths earn extra income.
How Do You Become A Locksmith?
To become a professional car locksmith, you have to go for training. Enrolling in a trade school that offers locksmithing as a course is the first step. Training courses take between 3-9 months, depending on the type of training.
Due to the multifaceted branches of locksmithing, picking a branch may be a little tricky, but you can check professional unions like the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) website for a checklist of training programs they endorse and the training requirements in your state.
This information will help you make the right choice about the type of training to go for and the training institute to register with.
Licensing
You should also note that a license is required before you can practice the locksmithing trade in some states. Find out if your state requires an operating license and take steps to obtain one after finishing your training.
Become An Apprentice
After completing your training, you in don’t start practicing on your own immediately. The training program is to teach you the skills of the trade; to become knowledgeable and experienced to a certain degree you need to serve as an apprentice under a master locksmith or in a locksmith company. There are apprenticeship opportunities in security companies and private locksmith businesses for new graduates looking to learn the ropes.
If you are lucky, you may even get a paid apprenticeship slot where you learn and earn a stipend at the same time. When looking for opportunities, make sure you pick a master locksmith or company that operates using a certificate or license. This will ensure that you are getting comprehensive training. After serving as an apprentice, you will be well-grounded in the trade, which will further brighten your career prospects.
Get A Job
After you finish serving as an apprentice, it is best not to branch out on your own too quickly. You should get a job that will allow you to earn a living and sharpen your skills even further.
Landing a position at a locksmith company or security firm will help you develop essential skills as you would be learning on the job. You will also get administrative skills that will make you a rounded professional in all aspects of the business.
Make A Career Choice
After working a job for a year or two, you can then make a carrier choice whether you want to rise the corporate ladder in the company you work for, seek a better company and pay elsewhere or whether you want to start your own locksmith business. The choice is yours to make. You may even decide to move to a new city where there are better jobs and/or opportunities for career or entrepreneurial growth.
If you choose to rise the corporate ladder, opportunities will always present themselves as you serve your superiors diligently. If you decide to open your business, you will have enough experience serving as an apprentice and a staff member to successfully operate your business.
Locksmithing is a lucrative trade with opportunities for career growth, but you need to apply yourself if you want to be successful at it. Start by getting the required training, then serve as an apprentice to get the skills and experience you need to rise up the corporate ladder.