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Locksmithing is one of the oldest trade careers known to man and has existed since the iron age. Although the rise of modern technology has led to the introduction of even more sophisticated security locks, the services provided by locksmiths are still as valuable as they have ever been.
Their services come in handy in emergencies when home and business owners suddenly realize that they have lost their keys or their locks have gone bad, and they can’t gain access to their premises. Despite advances in technology, locksmiths are still in high demand – of course, they now need more training to repair advanced locks.
Which makes the locksmith trade a viable and lucrative career choice. (Regardless of what anyone who is not in the field will tell you.) It may not be as popular as it was in the 17th or 18th century but it doesn’t mean it is any less relevant today. In fact, many will argue that the rise in the use of advanced and complex locks has made their services even more important.
What Are The Job Prospects Of Locksmiths In Hollywood, FL, And Elsewhere?
If we are to go by recent trends, the locksmith trade has witnessed significant growth. This growth was even more evident during the pandemic of 2020 when many people stayed home, and burgling was common in many cities. The summer riots of that year led to an increase in the demand for specialized locksmith services as home and business owners wanted to do all they could to secure their properties.
Some of the most in-demand professionals are certified alarm technicians who have required training and are endorsed by the ALOA.
Besides the witnessed growth in Hollywood, FL, we still notice the same upsurge in demand for their services in California, Florida, and Texas. The same trend is common in big cities where security is priced at a premium.
Is Locksmithing Still A Lucrative Career?
If you are considering going into locksmithing as a career, you may wonder if it is a good choice, and whether you should pursue it. Well, we can tell you for a fact that, contrary to what you might have heard, it is still a lucrative career. The average annual income of professional locksmiths is $45,000-$75,000 per annum. While this is the average income, professionals who have practiced the trade for longer earn close to $100,000 or more.
You can also choose to run your own locksmith business or work for a real estate or security establishment, where you will enjoy extra benefits like medical insurance, salary bonuses, paid leave, and more.
When you also consider how much it will cost to get the training to become a certified locksmith, you will understand why many people are going into it these days. The average tuition fee to enroll and train at a locksmith school is $2000, but you get to earn money for years of active duty.
How To Become A Locksmith?
To become a locksmith, you will have to be certified; and to be certified, you will have to get the required training from a reputable trade school. It is advisable to get certified though because you cannot practice in some states without a valid license. States that require licenses to practice include:
- Alabama
- Connecticut
- California
- Nevada
- Nebraska
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- North Carolina
- New Jersey
- Texas
- Virginia
- Oregon
- Tennessee
- Virginia
In states where a practicing license is not required, some counties may require documentation. For more check out Locksmith Hollywood FL.
How To Get A Locksmith License?
To get a locksmith license, you must complete a training program from any certified college offering locksmith training. Only people 18 years and above qualify for the training but must pass some security background checks. Individuals with a criminal record may not be allowed into such training programs.
Technology training is also incorporated into many crash courses for locksmiths to brush up their skills as security lock technology evolves. After completing your training, you will be sent to serve an apprenticeship with a master locksmith for a time so you can hone your skills. After the 2-year long apprenticeship, you can start working as a locksmith.
The good thing about locksmith training is that you can complete the training program in as little as 3 months. You will be taught basics such as unlocking deadbolts, padlocks, and combination locks. There are also advanced programs that teach students how to operate biometric scanners, keyless security systems and even security cameras. These technical courses may take up to 9 months to complete. If you take the time to go through the training, you will find a grounded and certified locksmith whose services clients will be willing to pay a premium for.
Locksmithing is still a lucrative and viable career, especially in Hollywood, FL. If you decide to pursue this career, take the first step by enrolling in a training program.
