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Many people never know the value of a locksmith until they are locked out of their car, house, business, etc., or maybe broke or lost their keys.
It is even worse if they are stuck out in the cold or at a remote location.
Others have been eager to learn locksmithing skills from rekeying to lockpicking and programming transponder keys.
Are you someone who enjoys hands-on tasks that require skills and focus?
Earn your accredited, affordable Locksmith career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
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If you have been contemplating how to become a locksmith, whether out of fascination or from the idea of helping people who urgently need new keys or to get inside, we have all the information for you.
Once you have read the details on how to become a locksmith in Arizona, you will know if it is the career for you.
Steps to Become a Locksmith in Arizona
At least in terms of credentials, becoming a locksmith is one of the easiest things to do.
That is because Arizona requires no formal education, certification, or licensing for you to operate as a locksmith in the state.
On the other hand, most companies are operated by reputable, trained, and certified locksmiths who will want to ensure that you are educated up to a high school diploma or GED level before taking you in as an apprentice.
There are online or mail-in classes that will send you the work to do both physically and online.
However, most locksmiths agree that you will not learn much from this process.
The best way is to join a company and learn from them while taking a course.
Another way is to join an in-depth certification program such as the one offered at the Arizona School of Locksmithing, where you learn every aspect of the locksmith world.
Key impressions, lock picking, programming transponders, operating a locksmith business, and more.
Taking those crucial steps, as well as passing a criminal background check, will put you on the path to becoming an experienced and trusted locksmith in Arizona.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith in Arizona
Arizona is not among the states that require special licensing for locksmiths.
However, most organizations will do both a drug test and a background check before hiring anyone for entry-level locksmith employment.
If an applicant fails a drug test or has a criminal record, they would not hire them.
It is still imperative that you keep abreast of any changes in local laws to ensure you are up to speed.
Companies like Acme Locksmith say they equip people to enter clients’ homes and motor vehicles, and not letting their locksmiths undertake those checks would be a careless move by their company as a neighborhood business.
So, regardless of the state legislation or lack thereof, be assured that no reputable company will let you in without basic education.
They will also ensure that you get both the necessary practical and theoretical training and that your background is clean.
Locksmith Programs in Arizona
While there are no educational requirements to become a locksmith in Arizona, it is highly recommended that you graduate high school and get some form of certification.
Otherwise, it will be hard to find a locksmith company that will entrust their clients to you.
Several locksmiths such as ACME Locksmith will also give you hands-on training as long as you obtained your high school diploma or GED.
At the Arizona School of Locksmithing (ASL) they believe that getting the correct instruction from experienced teachers is the key to a rewarding career as a locksmith.
Students at ASL are introduced to and instructed in all elements of the locksmith trade.
Each two-week session covers the following materials:
- The Business of Locksmithing
- Locks and Locksmith History
- Locksmith Terms
- Key blank Identification
- Grades of Locks
- Lock Assembly, Disassembly, and Mortise Lock Service
- Rekeying and Repinning Locks
- Impressioning
- Interchangeable Core Locks (IC Core)
- Lockpicking
- Master Key Pin Tumbler Locks
- Lock Installation Tools and Equipment
- Programming Transponder Key
Everything you learn is hands-on.
Because of this, class sizes are typically 10 or fewer pupils.
The $2500.00 fee includes $500 worth of locksmithing tools for the two-week training.
Curt Anderson, the company’s owner and registered member of the Associated Locksmiths of America ALOA, owns and operates it.
ASL has trained employees at the local, state, and federal levels.
Aside from being licensed by the Arizona Department of Postsecondary Education, this is the only locksmith school in Arizona that I have attended.
- Located in Phoenix, Arizona, at 10723 N 19th Ave., Suite 102
- Phone: 602.861.2460
- Email: info@arizonaschooloflocksmithing
Locksmith Salaries in Arizona
According to salary.com, the average income for a locksmith in Arizona is $53,446 as of the end of the year 2021.
The normal range is normally between $46,367 and $60,248.
Depending on where you live and a host of other criteria, such as the level of schooling and experience you have in your chosen field, you may expect to see a wide range of salary ranges.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | $53,402 |
| Tucson | $50,794 |
| Mesa | $53,410 |
| Glendale | $53,402 |
| Scottsdale | $53,410 |
| Chandler | $53,410 |
| Tempe | $53,410 |
| Gilbert | $53,410 |
| Peoria | $53,294 |
| Yuma | $55,437 |
Regional Salary in Arizona
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 180 | $51,370 | $24.7 | $79,340 | $36,010 |
| Tucson, AZ | 60 | $47,040 | $22.61 | $71,900 | $31,310 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I become a locksmith?
This is a complicated question to answer, if you want to be self-employed and believe this is a good fit for you, then yes, it’s a great career to get into!
Are locksmiths in demand in Arizona?
Yes!
There is lots of work as a locksmith in Arizona, especially around Phoneix and Mesa.
Should I be a self-employed locksmith right from the start?
Perhaps, although, getting some work experience with a company might be a good idea for you.
You will learn some “secrets of the trade” this way, as well as get hands-on experience before you move on to handling the clients and the books yourself.
It will be an easier start.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Locksmith
Locksmith Training by State