Hiring guide · Skilled Trades & Construction
How to Hire a Locksmith
Pay benchmarks, qualifications, sourcing, screening and interview questions for hiring locksmiths, plus a plan to get them productive fast.
Write a clear job description, offer competitive pay (the national median is $51,320), recruit through registered apprenticeship programs and union halls, verify ALOA certifications where applicable, run a structured interview with a practical skills check, and onboard with a 30-60-90 day plan.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
The hiring market for locksmiths
There are about 18,700 locksmiths employed in the U.S., with roughly 1,200 openings each year. Employment is projected to change -11.7% from 2025–35 (a projected decline). Most openings come from replacing workers who retire or change careers, so a steady pipeline matters.
Pay benchmarks for offers
| Candidate level | Annual | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (10th–25th percentile) | $35,530–$43,160 | $17.08–$20.75 |
| Typical / mid-career (median) | $51,320 | $24.68 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $64,560 | $31.04 |
| Top of market (90th percentile) | $79,400 | $38.17 |
*Annual ÷ 2,080 hours except median. National BLS data; adjust for your state and metro area. Many states and cities now require pay ranges in job postings.
What to look for
Must-haves
- High school diploma or equivalent (typical entry level)
- Licensing or certification required in your state
- Lock installation
- Integrity
Nice-to-haves
- ALOA certifications
- State locksmith license
- Safe technician certification
- Experience with key machines
Where to find locksmiths
- Registered apprenticeship programs and union halls
- Trade and technical school placement offices
- Pre-apprenticeship and veterans programs
- Referrals from current crew members
- Job postings that use common alternate titles: Safe Technician, Security Locksmith, Access Control Technician, Mobile Locksmith
Screening checklist
- Verify state licenses (apprentice registration, journeyworker, master) where required
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 cards and prior safety record
- Valid driver’s license and driving record if operating company vehicles
- A practical skills test or supervised trial task
Follow federal, state and local rules on background checks, drug testing and fair-chance hiring, and apply screening consistently to all candidates for the role.
Interview questions to ask
Ask every candidate the same questions and score answers on a structured scorecard.
1. “Why locksmithing?”
What a strong answer includes: Share.
2. “How do you verify ownership?”
What a strong answer includes: Explain.
3. “Can you rekey?”
What a strong answer includes: Share.
4. “Do you know automotive keys?”
What a strong answer includes: Share.
5. “Can you work nights?”
What a strong answer includes: Answer.
Practical skills checks
A short demonstration beats a perfect resume. Ask candidates to talk you through, or perform under supervision, tasks such as:
- Rekey a Pin Tumbler Lock (see the steps)
- Verify Ownership Before a Lockout (see the steps)
- Design a Simple Master Key System (see the steps)
Red flags
- Can’t describe basic safety practices for the role
- Vague or inconsistent work history with no explanation
- Unfamiliar with core terms such as Rekey, Pin tumbler, Master key system
- Negative talk about every past employer or coworker
Onboard for retention
The first 90 days decide whether a new hire stays. Use our Locksmith 30-60-90 day onboarding plan and give every new hire the same foundation with Locksmith training. Show them the path forward: Apprentice → Locksmith → Master Locksmith → Business Owner.
Hiring locksmiths: FAQ
How much should I pay a locksmith?
The U.S. median wage for locksmiths is $51,320 per year ($24.68/hour), according to BLS May 2025 data. Entry-level offers often fall near the 25th percentile ($43,160), while experienced hires command closer to the 75th percentile ($64,560). Adjust for your local market.
What qualifications should a locksmith have?
BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education. Look for ALOA certifications and State locksmith license where relevant, plus skills such as lock installation, rekeying, and key cutting.
How long does it take to train a new locksmith?
Becoming qualified typically takes Months to years of training. After hire, plan for a structured 30-60-90 day onboarding period; BLS classifies on-the-job training for this occupation as “long-term on-the-job training.”