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Deciding to become a locksmith in Alabama can open up a wealth of new career opportunities for you.
Working independently as a locksmith or a security professional, you can set your own hours of business and choose which service you want to take.
If you work as a locksmith in Alabama for an alarm or security company, you may have to work the hours and days they specify, but you will likely make a good salary and get extra pay or bonuses for working on holidays and overnight hours.
No matter how you choose to build your career, you are likely to get calls after hours and on the weekends, as this is when people are most likely to need your assistance getting into their home or vehicle.
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Popular Programs
Steps to Become a Locksmith in Alabama
In order to become an Alabama locksmith, you should first learn the basic skills and protocols of the security industry.
You can do this by attending any of the training programs approved by the state licensing board.
This training can take as little as five business days, followed by a test to prove you have retained the material.
After the training is done, and you have passed the test to prove you have retained the knowledge, you can apply for your Alabama locksmith license.
In addition to the training completion certificate, you will have to pass a background check and apply to get a locksmith’s business license if you will be working on your own.
You will also need to show proof of an insurance policy to cover you when you start working in the industry with a total value of $250,000.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith in Alabama
Alabama lawmakers passed the licensing requirements in the state in the late 1990s.
These requirements apply to professionals who work on locks, security systems, or CCTV camera-based systems, whether in a home or commercial setting.
These requirements include the need for licensing, insurance, and background checks.
The requirements include the need for training, testing to prove that you have mastered learning the material, and a background check to show that you can be trusted to work on people’s homes and places of business.
They also help Alabama residents stay safe and assist in preventing crime.
Locksmith Programs
The training programs that exist run the gamut from in-person to virtual and cover a range of topics from working on traditional locks to car ignitions, digital forms of locks, vaults, and alarm systems.
The Alabama Locksmith Association offers five-day in-person locksmith classes in Birmingham.
These classes are held from 8 AM to 5 PM each weekday.
For a total fee of $975, they provide the class, study materials, and the test at the end to prove completion.
They also offer add-on classes for those who want to learn related skills, like programming transponders and digital vaults, for an additional fee.
The Electronic Security Association offers in-person and online training in security systems and fire alarms for aspiring locksmiths and security professionals across the nation.
While they do not offer traditional locksmith classes, you can become certified in security systems, CCTV-based monitoring, fire alarms, and other forms of security.
Alabama Locksmith Salary
The average annual pay for a locksmith in Alabama is just over $54,000.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Birmingham | $51,183 |
| Montgomery | $48,480 |
| Mobile | $50,041 |
| Huntsville | $51,140 |
| Tuscaloosa | $50,682 |
| Adger | $50,572 |
| Dothan | $47,761 |
| Decatur | $49,577 |
| Auburn | $48,786 |
| Gadsden | $50,729 |
Regional Salary in Alabama
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | 60 | $40,380 | $19.41 | $44,930 | $24,210 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Sources
- https://aesbl.alabama.gov/applicants/how-to-get-licensed
- https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/locksmith-salary
Frequently Asked Questions
How much insurance do you need to work as a locksmith in Alabama?
When you apply for your license, you will need to show proof that you or the company you work for has a general insurance policy for at least $250,000.
This covers any errors made or damages done to the property while you work on the security.
While the policy covers up to $250,000 in damages, this does not mean you have to put up this much money.
You pay a small monthly premium and simply make a claim if needed, the same way you might with a car or personal property insurance.
Does Alabama have a continuing education requirement for locksmiths?
Yes, in order to hold and renew a professional locksmith license in Alabama, you must complete eight hours of continuing education every year to help you keep your knowledge current.
This can include learning about CCTV and alarm system installation, or digital lock operation.
The certificate of completion of this continuing education has to be presented to the licensing board when you are ready to renew.
How long is an Alabama locksmith license good for?
The locksmith license in Alabama is good for up to two years, after which time you have to apply for renewal by proving you have completed your continuing education requirements and paying a renewal fee.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Locksmith
Locksmith Training by State