If you enjoy flexible working hours and the freedom to choose your own projects, locksmithing might be the perfect fit. For those passionate about locksport, it can even become a rewarding and lucrative profession.
If you’re someone who loves solving puzzles, tackling challenges, and working with your hands, locksmithing offers a fulfilling career in the trades.
Keep reading to see if this path aligns with your interests.
Flexibility and Being Your Own Boss
Locksmithing gives you the opportunity to work your own hours, especially if you are self-employed. However, whether you are self-employed or work as a locksmith for a company, there will always be ‘on call’ hours, as people get locked out at all sorts of times and so you may be called in emergency locked-out situations. But if you decide to start your own business, you could offer a 24/7 service and once you become established you can reduce your hours accordingly.
And just think, for those moments when your future clients type ‘local locksmith near me’ into Google, they’ll find you. It doesn’t take long to gain basic skills in this trade. According to the Master Locksmiths Association, it typically takes three to four years to become a fully competent locksmith. However, for simpler locksmith jobs like lock repair, you can start building a client base while you continue learning. With the right courses and network, you can gain invaluable experience and start offering services to clients as you develop your expertise.
So if you are not a fan of 9-5 jobs and enjoy spontaneity and flexibility then locksmithing could be the job for you.
Good Wages
Do locksmiths get paid well? The average salary for an entry-level locksmith in the UK is £20,000, with the average salary for an experienced locksmith being £30,000. Note: for apprentices, your starting salary could be as low as £11,880. However, becoming a locksmith has a high earning potential, as owners of locksmith companies can earn up to £72,000 per year.
So, depending on your experience level, location, if you are independent or working for a group and the range of services offered, your earning potential will vary. And self-employed locksmiths have the potential to earn more as they can set their own rates in line with your experience level.
Job Security
Locksmiths are high in demand due to the value that security brings, so it is unlikely that you will be out of a job for as long as you choose to have it as your career. Experienced locksmiths are highly sought after due to locksmithing being a skilled trade. Locksmiths do much more than make copies of keys, they help people who are locked out of cars or homes, upgrade security systems, and enhance overall security. Your clients will sleep safe at night knowing that the services you provide will make their homes more secure.
And if you choose to specialise in areas like car key replacement, key creation, reprogramming, or handling car lockouts, locksmithing can open up exciting new opportunities.
Career Opportunities and Advancement
Becoming a locksmith can offer the opportunity for career advancement.
But know that you don’t need any qualifications to work as a locksmith. You can gain experience through an apprenticeship or a training course.
And eventually, you can choose to work independently, starting up your own business, which offers you career advancement opportunities.
Travel across the company to complete jobs, knowing that every day looks different.
Final Thoughts
Locksmithing is for those who love problem solving and independent work, so if that’s you then what are you waiting for?
With the right training and experience, it won’t be long before you can set up your own business, set your own hours and enjoy the freedom of being your own boss.
You’ll have the flexibility to shape your work-life balance but be prepared to work sociable hours to handle those late-night or early-morning lockout emergencies.
And as a locksmith, you will be constantly learning new techniques, staying up-to-date with security trends, with the opportunity to work with advanced security systems.
So, if you’re ready for a career that will allow you to work at your own pace, that serves the general public, with hands-on problem-solving, locksmithing could be the right career choice for you.
