Locksmith
Install, repair, and rekey locks, deadbolts, panic hardware, and electronic access-control. Commercial work pays better than residential; automotive locksmithing is a separate specialty with a strong owner-operator path.
Locksmith goes by many names
On KinTrades, all of these job titles route to the Locksmith trade — so search any of them and you'll find matching work.
Day to day on the job
Locksmiths install and service mechanical and electronic locks. Day-to-day mix depends on specialization — residential rekey calls, commercial panic hardware install, automotive lockouts, electronic access control programming.
Specializations diverge by client. Residential Locksmiths work homeowner rekey, deadbolt install, lockouts. Commercial Locksmiths work business properties — panic hardware (exit devices), commercial door closers, master-key systems. Automotive Locksmiths work car keys, transponders, programming — premium pay. Electronic Access Control overlaps with Low Voltage tech work.
Most locksmiths work as one- to two-person owner-operators. Some work for security integrators or large institutions (universities, hospitals, federal facilities) with in-house locksmith staff. The trade has a strong owner-operator path.
How you move up as a Locksmith
ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) is the credentialing body. PRP (Proficiency Registration Program) is the standard certification track. Commercial work usually requires a state alarm-installer license too. BLS OES 49-9094, May 2024.
Apprentice — what this rung looks like
What Locksmiths earn in VA, DC, MD & NC
Pay data: BLS OEWS · May 2024 · VA · DC · MD · NC. Expanding nationally.
Core craft + supporting skills
Pulled from your taxonomy. Core skills (orange) are required for the Locksmith trade; supporting skills (gray) round out a well-rounded journeyworker.
Paths into the Locksmith trade
Direct hire as helper
Most locksmiths come in as helpers at independent shops. The trade hires on willingness to learn and reliability — most shops train on the job.
ALOA-affiliated training
ALOA runs a standardized PRP curriculum that covers entry through senior locksmith work. Self-paced; many techs work toward credentials over their first 3-5 years.
University / Hospital Locksmith
Large institutions (universities, hospitals, federal facilities) hire in-house locksmiths. Stable employment with benefits but often slower to learn the trade than at independent shops.
Certifications that help
ALOA Registered Locksmith (RL), ALOA PRP credentials (multiple specialties), ALOA Certified Master Locksmith (CML), state alarm-installer license, manufacturer training (Schlage, Yale, Medeco, Mul-T-Lock).
Common pathways into Locksmith work
KinTrades welcomes Locksmith workers from every walk of life. Whether you're a veteran transitioning out of service, a student planning your career, or someone returning to work — there's a clear path in.
Veterans
Few direct military crosswalks for locksmithing specifically — but Air Force 3E7X1 Fire Protection and security forces ratings include some access-control work.
Veterans with security-clearance background find work at federal facilities (DoD, NIH) where in-house locksmith staff handle classified-area access.
The GI Bill covers ALOA PRP testing fees.
Veterans on KinTradesHigh School Students
Locksmithing requires age 18+ for state alarm-installer licensing in most states. Direct hire as a helper at an independent shop is the standard path.
ALOA Registered Locksmith credential is exam-only.
CC programs cover the trade in some areas.
Students on KinTradesSecond Chance
Locksmith work involves master-key access — most state alarm-installer licenses require formal background checks.
Independent residential work is often less restrictive than commercial or institutional work.
Federal facilities require security clearance for classified-area access.
Second-chance hiringIf Locksmith interests you, also look at
Common questions about becoming a Locksmith
What does a Locksmith do?
Locksmiths install and service mechanical and electronic locks. Day-to-day mix depends on specialization — residential rekey calls, commercial panic hardware install, automotive lockouts, electronic access control programming.
What does a Locksmith make in Virginia, DC, Maryland, and North Carolina?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024, Locksmiths earn an annual median of $48K in Virginia (range $36K–$66K), $56K in DC ($42K–$76K), $52K in Maryland ($38K–$70K), and $42K in North Carolina ($32K–$58K).
How do you become a Locksmith?
Direct hire as helper: Most locksmiths come in as helpers at independent shops. The trade hires on willingness to learn and reliability — most shops train on the job.
How long is Locksmith apprenticeship in Virginia, DC, Maryland, or North Carolina?
1-3 years to journey-level. ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) is the credentialing body. PRP (Proficiency Registration Program) is the standard certification track. Commercial work usually requires a state alarm-installer license too.
Is Locksmith a good career path for someone with a record?
Locksmith work involves master-key access — most state alarm-installer licenses require formal background checks. Independent residential work is often less restrictive than commercial or institutional work. Federal facilities require security clearance for classified-area access.