Occupation
Locksmith
Locksmiths install, repair, rekey, and open mechanical and electronic locking hardware for homes, businesses, and vehicles. The trade blends fine mechanical work with security judgement, because verifying that someone is entitled to access is as much a part of the job as opening the door. Many locksmiths also work on access control, safes, and master key systems.
Also known as: Security hardware technician · Master key system specialist
Occupation content
Part of Skilled trades, maintenance and repair
What the work involves
- Install and adjust locks, cylinders, closers, exit devices, and door hardware.
- Rekey cylinders and cut keys, and design and maintain master key systems.
- Open locks and safes non-destructively where possible, and repair damage where it is not.
- Verify the caller's authority to request access before carrying out an opening.
- Install and troubleshoot electronic access control, keypads, and electric strikes.
- Keep key records and system charts secure and up to date.
How people commonly enter
- A trade-school or college locksmithing programme covering mechanical and electronic hardware.
- An apprenticeship or supervised trainee position with an established locksmith or security company.
- Transfer from a door hardware, carpentry, or security installation background into locksmithing.
- Manufacturer and association training taken by working locksmiths to add safes, automotive, or access control work.
Typical training: Certificate or college diploma
Licensing: Regulated in some jurisdictions — confirm the current requirement with the regulator in your province, state, or country.
Typical work context
Client sites · Public facing · Works independently · Varied work · Involves travel
Related interests
Realistic (hands-on) · Conventional (organizing)
Related aptitude preparation
These are preparation links only. They do not measure eligibility for this occupation and no score here qualifies or disqualifies anyone.
Skills to practise
- Mechanical comprehension
- Spatial reasoning
- Problem solving
- Attention and concentration
- Situational judgment
Practice suites
Related learning
Family-level learning links for Skilled trades, maintenance and repair.
Official sources
Labour-market facts such as pay and employment projections are not reproduced here. Open an official source below for figures, with its own geography and reference period.
- US BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations · United States
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- O*NET OnLine — occupation search: locksmith · United States
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- UK National Careers Service — Explore careers · United Kingdom
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Skilled trades, maintenance and repair in Canada, not a figure for Locksmith. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
This is a broad Skilled trades, maintenance and repair family. Explore the official profile for the chosen occupation; entry education and training can differ within the family.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Skilled trades, maintenance and repair: education pathways
Some roles in Skilled trades, maintenance and repair may be regulated. Confirm whether the specific role requires registration, certification, or a jurisdiction-specific licence.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Skilled trades, maintenance and repair: licensing
Find jobs
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- Search Canada Job Bank · Canada
- Search USAJOBS · United States federal
- Search EURES · European Union / EEA
- Search Indeed · International (choose location on Indeed)