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Locksmiths install, repair, and open locks; make keys; and change lock combinations. Some Locksmiths install and repair electronic burglar alarms, smoke and fire detectors, and other security systems.  

JOB DUTIES

Locksmiths may:  

Install door locks in houses, apartments, and offices  

Change combinations of safes or other devices with combination locks  

Open locks when keys have been lost or the combination forgotten  

Cut new or duplicate keys from existing keys or manufacturers' code numbers  

Re-key locks to accept new keys or master keys  

Repair locks by cleaning or filing them or replacing parts  

Fabricate small parts using saws, files, and welding equipment  

Discuss installation or repair jobs with customers  

Estimate installation and repair costs  

Install and repair security devices such as burglar alarms in cars, homes, and businesses  

Order stock, parts, and tools, and do clerical tasks  

Dispatch service calls to mobile service crews  

Some may specialize as safe-and-vault service mechanics, also called safe technicians.  

The tools, equipment, and materials used by Locksmiths and Safe Technicians may include:  

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

709.281-010 LOCKSMITHS install, repair, and open locks; make keys; and change lock combinations. Some Locksmiths install and repair electronic burglar alarms, smoke and fire detectors, and other security systems.  

869.381-022 SAFE-AND-VAULT SERVICE MECHANICS, also called safe technicians, install and repair safes and vault doors in banks and other establishments.  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:  

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WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Employed Locksmiths usually receive only general supervision. Self-employed Locksmiths supervise Locksmiths or helpers working for them. They usually work alone. However, they may do work in stores, banks, factories, or schools when other people are around.  

The physical conditions of the job depend on where the Locksmiths works. Workshops are usually adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated but may be cramped. When they work outside, they may be exposed to all kinds of weather. They must sometimes work in awkward positions for long periods of time. They might receive burns or cuts from welding or soldering equipment or grinding wheel filings, but, with proper care, the chance of injury is slight. Locksmiths usually are not required to lift heavy objects, but Safe-and-Vault Mechanics may occasionally lift heavy objects when working with safes.  

Their average workweek is usually 40 to 48 hours. Those who are self-employed may work 44 to 60 hours per week. Locksmiths working for industrial companies, institutions, or other businesses generally work a 40-hour week, with some overtime. Most Locksmiths work during the day, but they might be called at night or on weekends to take care of emergencies. Because Locksmiths do considerable driving from job to job, a good driving record is necessary.  

Locksmiths and safe technicians must usually furnish their own hand tools. Self-employed Locksmiths and safe technicians must buy all the necessary equipment and a set of basic tools may cost $2,000-$6,000.  

They may belong to professional associations such as the Associated Locksmiths of America, Inc., and pay annual dues.  

You Should Prefer:  

• Working with things and objects  

• Using tools to make and repair things  

You Should Be Able To:  

• Do precise work, as when repairing locksets  

• Use arithmetic to figure the cost of repairs or to keep records  

• Visualize how drawings or diagrams would look as solid objects  

• See slight differences between objects  

• Use fingers and hands skillfully to handle small parts and tools  

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:  

If you are paid $15.00 an hour and you figure that a certain job will take you 4 hours, how much would your labor estimate be?  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:  

A consumer is anyone who buys goods or services for personal use. At one time or another, everyone is a consumer.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:  

You should be able to write a report explaining to your supervisor any problems that might have occurred during the day.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:  

You should be able to decide the best way to open a lock for which the keys are lost.  

All Locksmiths who drive commercial vehicles to customers' homes or places of business must have a chauffeur's license. Depending on the size of the company vehicle, they may also need a commercial driver license (C.D.L.). Both licenses may be obtained at any local secretary of state driver's licensing office. Applicants should apply at a local Secretary of State office; be at least 18 years old; pass written, oral, vision, and driving tests; and pay a licensing fee.  

Locksmiths must also have a clean arrest record and be bonded and insured for honesty. The ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America, Inc.) examines and certifies workers for various job levels such as Registered Locksmith, certified professional Locksmith, and certified master Locksmith. It is important that Locksmiths be members in good standing of local and national guilds.   

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent may qualify a person for this occupation.  

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***  

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY  

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***  

After one year of experience a Locksmith should be proficient in the following areas:  

Standard Lock Cylinder Servicing, Key Blank Identification, Key Duplication, Keys by Code, Impressioning, Professional Lock Opening Techniques, Lockset Functions, Lockset Servicing, Basic Master Keying and Cabinet, Furniture and Mailbox Locks.  

Most shops try to have workers experienced in the following skills with five years experience:  

Domestic and Foreign Automotive, Motorcycle Locks, Lockset Installation, Advanced Master Keying, Door Closers, Safety Codes, Lever Tumbler Locks, High Security Cylinders, Interchangeable Core Cylinders, Special Application Cylinders, Tubular Key Cylinders, Safe Locks and Installation, Safe Opening and Servicing, Vault and Time Locks, Safe Deposit Box Locks, Basic Low-Voltage Electricity, Basic and Advanced Alarms, Basic/Advanced Electro-Mechanical Locks, Remote Door Control Systems, Detention Locks, and Keyless Mechanical Locks.  

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript    

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript    

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***  

Although this occupation has apprenticeship programs available in Michigan, they are limited in number. See the Sources Of More Information below for name, address and phone number of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.  

You will also find a more extensive list of information sources in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Items.  

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***  

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript    

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Inexperienced Locksmiths typically complete at least a 2-year training period, although most workers substitute some of this experience by completing mail order courses for part of the training. Locksmiths should have 4 to 5 years experience before starting their own business.  

School-to-Work opportunities include:  

informal apprenticeships  

mentorships  

job shadowing experiences  

touring a local Locksmith employer  

internships  

volunteer work with a Locksmith employer  

community service work with an agency  

Although this occupation has apprenticeship programs available in Michigan, currently they are limited in number. Contact the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training Representative in your area if you would like more information.  

The most common method of getting a job is to apply in person to employers because openings are seldom listed in newspaper classified sections. Assistance in getting a job may be obtained from local offices of Michigan Works!. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:    

Michigan Talent Bank ( http://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage )

America's Job Bank ( http://www.ajb.dni.us )

Classifieds Employment ( http://www.classifieds2000.com )

Yahoo! Careers ( http://careers.yahoo.com/ )

MONSTER.COM  ( http://www.monster.com )

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.   

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Locksmiths depend on the amount of business done, geographic location, and type of employer. Locksmiths who work for industry or in maintenance for institutions, government agencies, or large companies usually receive straight salaries or hourly wages. Earnings of self- employed Locksmiths or those working in locksmith repair shops vary considerably. Locksmiths who specialize in safe or vault work and electric-locking systems may receive additional pay. Apprentice Locksmiths frequently earn a stipend while learning the trade, eventually earning an hourly wage, salary, or salary plus commission.  

Nationally, most Locksmiths and safe repairers had median weekly earnings of $669 ($16.73/hr) in 2001.   The median hourly earnings of  "all" workers in the U.S. were $14.92 in 2001.  

Apprentice Locksmiths employed by a large Detroit area utility company earned from $19.43 to $21.49 per hour (mid 2002). Fully qualified Locksmiths earned $21.49 per hour.  

Hourly wages of Locksmiths employed by the State of Michigan ranged from $15.67 to $20.88 in mid 2002.  

In the Detroit area, inexperienced Locksmiths could expect to earn from $6.000 to $8.00 per hour. After several years experience, Locksmiths could earn from $12.00 to $18.00 per hour.  A few highly skilled workers earn from $24.00 to $36.00 per hour.  

Fringe benefits vary widely. Locksmiths employed by large industrial companies, institutions, or government agencies usually receive the same insurance, vacation, sick leave, and retirement plans as do other employees. Locksmiths employed in locksmith shops may receive some or all of these benefits, or they may not receive any fringe benefits. Self-employed workers must provide their own benefits including liability and other insurance.  There are many types of arrangements with regard to pay.  Some businesses pay salary, while others pay commissions plus salary.  The industry is composed primarily of small businesses.  

Beginning Locksmiths usually start out in trainee positions under the direction of a skilled Locksmith. Locksmiths may advance to supervisory positions or may go into business for themselves. Mechanical ability and experience are important factors in advancement for Locksmiths. Locksmiths frequently attend seminars provided by large lock manufacturers such as Corbin, Medeco and Schlage.  Success in private business depends on the reputation a Locksmith gains with customers, business management skills, extensive locksmith training and mechanical ability. Although only a relatively modest investment is required for a Locksmith to enter into business, the overhead costs of transportation, phone, and employee benefits are considerable and many Detroit area locksmith businesses have failed recently due to these factors.   

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 13,200 Locksmiths and Safe Repairers were employed in 2000. The employment of Locksmiths and Safe Repairers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2010. About 39.0% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Locksmiths and Safe Repairer looked like this:    

 Most openings will arise each year as experienced Locksmiths retire, die, leave the labor force for other reasons, or transfer to other jobs or occupations.  

Employment of Locksmiths is expected to increase somewhat as a result of population growth and a more security conscious public. Opportunities should be particularly good for those who can install and repair electronic security systems in homes, businesses, and automobiles.  

There are about 275 Locksmiths and Safe Repairers employed in Michigan. Most worked in urban areas in the services industry for Locksmith shops. Some worked in the wholesale trade industry and a few were employed by government agencies.  

Employment of Locksmiths and Safe Repairers in Michigan is expected to grow  

faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2008. An average of 10 annual openings is expected due to growth and replacement of those who retire, die or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.  

The need for Locksmiths has increased with the economic upswing in Michigan. The best opportunities will be for Locksmiths who can install and service sophisticated electronic security systems which are used in addition to mechanical security devices in homes, banks, manufacturing plants, and other businesses. Hiring a Locksmith with knowledge of low voltage wiring, electronics and electrical systems will be helpful for companies that are entering the access-control systems market.  

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2008  

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.  

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Copyright © 2003 Michigan Department of Career Development