The job growth outlook for a locksmith appears promising as it is expected to increase. Community colleges and vocational school offer programs that last six months to one year. The Safe and Vault Technicians Association (SAVTA) offer two certifications with regard to the maintenance and repair of safes and vaults. Following licensure, a locksmith may desire certification as well.
That price covers overhead, insurance, travel time, and the cost depending on the time of day; after hours will cost more than standard working hours. If you find yourself locked out of your home at any time, many locksmiths are available 24 hours a day. You can call your local locksmith for an emergency visit, but expect to pay $150 to $250 on average. The average cost for a home-related job will vary depending on what you’re asking the locksmith to do and whether it’s an urgent job. According to HomeGuide, the average price to hire a locksmith is between $85 and $175, regardless of the job. Locksmith rates start at $65 to $185 to unlock a house and go up to $75 to $220 for bigger jobs such as changing the locks on a car.
When purchasing a new car key FOB, it’s essential to obtain it from reputable sources. You can explore options at authorized car dealerships, automotive locksmiths, and even online marketplaces. Car FOBs are a convenient car accessory so owners don’t have to use physical keys and can simply push a button to start the car, leaving the FOB in their pocket.
Find a dependable locksmith by asking local friends and family, do a quick Facebook search or Google it if you prefer. Afterward, if your service is good, spread the word and leave a positive review on their website or digital search listing. Make sure a locksmith is thorough in their business practices—do they ask for a signature or identification to log you as a client?
If the number seems low, confirm that it covers all fees such as labor, replacement parts and mileage. Also make sure the company information on their invoice matches that on their business card. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s better to call a local locksmith. They can save you both time and money and give you peace of mind that they will do the job correctly. However, if you have a transponder key specifically coded to a security system, like the one in your car, you’ll pay between $75 and $400 for a duplicate.
Read more about Car Key Replacement here.
If you decide to go the apprenticeship route, that can last anywhere from six months to two years. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t be making money at that time. The average annual pay for a locksmith apprentice is $27,100. Locksmithing offers you the opportunity to land a great job, or become an entrepreneur. This job includes doing work like installing locks, fixing electronic safes, and assisting people who lock themselves out of buildings. They may also offer additional services like installing security systems. Becoming a locksmith is easier than many other vocational careers.
How Many People Are Employed in the Locksmiths Industry in the US?
Lockouts never seem to happen during normal business hours. Most locksmiths offer after-hours services, but you’ll typically pay more on nights and weekends.
Hourly Average Salary: Top 5 States
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Master locksmiths spend more than 10 years on the job and undergo specialist training to gain their title. It’s a good idea to hire a professional if you’re dealing with a complex lock or want to ensure the highest security level. For example, a pro will be better able to install a strong, heavy lock without weakening the door or frame. They’ll also be able to advise you on the best locks for the security level you want. Even in states that don’t have locksmith licensing requirements, most cities or counties require business licenses for commercial lockshops. You will need a fictitious name or a business name if you don’t want a business tied to your personal identity.
You’ll likely pay up to 50 percent less to rekey a lock. It’s possible for handy homeowners to change or install their own locks in some cases. Other situations call for a professional locksmith’s tools and expertise. Electronic locks are the most expensive to work on or replace. These locks run the gamut from simple keypads to complex smart-home devices that can be controlled from nearly anywhere via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Here’s how much the locks cost based on data from Fixr.com.
