Trades & Construction

How to become a Locksmith

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

6–18 months

Typical pay

$40k–$58k

Starting from

No experience

The steps

1. 1

   Learn the mechanics

   Pin tumblers, rekeying, and increasingly electronic access control.

   3–9 months

2. 2

   Apprentice with a shop

   Most of this trade is still learned over a bench next to someone.

   6–12 months

3. 3

   License if your state requires it

   Many states license locksmiths and run a background check.

   State locksmith licence

Course links are Udemy affiliate links — we earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Licences and exams named above are issued by state boards and certifying bodies we have no relationship with; we list them because they are what the job actually requires.