Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Locksmith
What locksmiths actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a locksmith?
Rekey a rental property. From there, the day usually includes install locks, rekey locks, and cut keys. Full time, with emergency calls.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a locksmith working full time.
- Rekey a rental property.
- Respond to a home lockout.
- Install commercial hardware.
- Program a car key fob.
- Service a safe.
- Install a card reader.
- Cut keys at the shop.
Where locksmiths work
Locksmiths work in shops, vans and at customer sites.
Hours and schedule
Full time, with emergency calls.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Install locks
- Rekey locks
- Cut keys
- Open lockouts
- Program car keys
- Service safes
- Install access control
Tools you’ll use every day
- Key machines
- Pick sets
- Pinning kits
- Key programmers
- Drills
- Access control software
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Can be self-employed
- Problem-solving
- Security tech growth
- Steady demand for rekeys
What’s hard
- Declining overall
- Night lockout calls
- Driving
- Scam competition
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like puzzles
- I’m trustworthy
- I like helping people in a jam
- I like working alone
- I might run a business
- I like security tech
Not sure? Take the free Locksmith fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Verify ownership
- Protect key records
- Drill safely
- Drive safely at night