Locksmith Career Description
If you have ever lost your keys, a locksmith has probably come to your rescue. Locksmiths have a wide variety of skills that include key making, copying, changing locks and installing safes. They are usually independent entrepreneurs who have gone into business for themselves. Some individuals enter the career through short-term apprenticeships under an experienced locksmith.
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Duties and Responsibilities
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Locksmiths fix and install new lock systems, repair and open locks and create keys of all kinds. They use special lock reading and key molding machines to create new keys and locks, or copies of existing ones. They also deal with homeowners and businesses that would like to create uniform lock systems throughout a building. Locksmiths work with both mechanical and electronic lock systems. They also install, repair, open and remove vaults and safes. Locksmiths offer record-keeping and key and combination holding services for businesses and homeowners who have an extensive amount of locking systems. Locksmiths also respond to homeowners and motor vehicle operators who have lost their keys or locked themselves out of their home or motor vehicle.
Education Requirements
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Most companies that hire locksmiths provide training on the job and may require a high school education or GED. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, working as an apprentice for two months to one year is usually sufficient to learn the skills to effectively work as a locksmith. However, working with electronic equipment and more extensive and complex locking systems requires a much higher degree of education and experience. Many positions that deal with complex electronic locking systems require at least a two-year degree in electronics or the completion of certification from a vocational electrician educational institution.
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Preferable Skills
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Many locksmiths are self-employed, and thus need accounting, marketing and business management skills. Locksmiths need to have a normal level of hand-eye coordination, depth perception and dexterity as they often are required to work with small tools in tight spaces. Other valuable traits include a propensity for creative problem solving and ingenuity. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively also is essential to a locksmith.
Job Outlook
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, locksmith job are expected to grow at an average rate when compared to other jobs in the nation. Between 2008 and 2018, locksmith jobs are expected to increase by 7 percent. In 2008, 22,000 people held jobs as locksmiths.
Job Salary
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, locksmiths earned median wages of $17.20 per hour or $35,780 per year, as of May 2009.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit old lock locked image by ennavanduinen from Fotolia.com
