i am looking to start a career as a locksmith and want to know if its a good career choice?
sean1073 asked:
i am looking for a career that i can do…i have some exp as a locksmith for apts..but not as a full time lock smith..i would like to know if this is a good career choice…i live in las vegas nv..
i am looking for a career that i can do…i have some exp as a locksmith for apts..but not as a full time lock smith..i would like to know if this is a good career choice…i live in las vegas nv..
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it is not bad if you dont mind being on call 24/7/365 i taked to the AAA key guy and he said he likes it but that would be the one thing he would change if he could.
The locksmith trade is a good one. A family member of mine did very well in Dallas, Texas, as a locksmith. Like any other skill, it requires practice to increase your speed and precision. While you are learning the trade, you will probably need to work as an apprentice to an established locksmith. Once you know the trade, you can choose to go on your own or team up with another locksmith.
There are many ways to market your trade and build your business. Here are a few ideas.
1. 24-hour on-call locksmith service. You can charge a premium for evening and weekend calls.
2. Contract to re-key the cars for a used car dealer. The reimbursement per car is less than on-call jobs, but you can make up for it in volume and predictability of income.
3. Learn how to work on safes. Most large business in malls and elsewhere such as Dillard’s, Macy’s, Sears have safes that require periodic maintenance.
4. Contract with builders to install the locks on the apartment doors in the apartment complex. Another possibility is to contract to re-key the locks already in place on the apartment doors when a complex changes ownership.
Of course, the amount of work available will depend on your location. Larger cities have more opportunities. Small towns or rural areas will provide fewer job opportunities.
I hope this info was helpful. Good luck!
We are a small village and the local town locksmith does o.k.. It’s a husband and wife team. They are good, but they are always on call. It is a 24/7 thing. I see that it has been mentioned already.
I think as well as being a locksmith you might add home security to your talents. Both are careers that are needed
Locksmiths and safe repairers
(O*NET 49-9094.00)
Repair and open locks; make keys; change locks and safe combinations; and install and repair safes.
2004 employment: 28,000
Projected 2004-14 employment change: About as fast as average
Most significant source of postsecondary education or training: Moderate-term on-the-job training