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Becoming a locksmith in New Hampshire is an excellent choice due to the excellent annual salary, growing job market, and job stability.
Couple this with the fact that New Hampshire is one the most streamlined states for setting up a locksmithing business.
However, before you run off and pick up your locksmith kit and tools, read the following to better understand the steps to becoming a locksmith in New Hampshire, licensing requirements, available educational programs, and salary!
Article Table of Contents
Steps to Become a Locksmith in New Hampshire
A locksmith is a trained expert that installs, replaces, repairs, and inspects locking systems for businesses, homes, and automobiles.
Earn your accredited, affordable Locksmith career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
Popular Programs
To enter this field in New Hampshire, there are a few recommended steps.
Step One: Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent
Although the state does not require any diploma to become a locksmith, most employers required this certificate, as is with most companies.
Step Two: Finish Educational Training
While educational locksmithing training at an accredited vocational school or college is not required by the state or employers, it can help you with job placement and provide the skills required to succeed.
Even the most basic programs teach students how to evaluate lock security, understand the inner workings of different manual and electronic lock types, duplicate and make keys, pick residential and commercial locks, and repair different systems.
Core courses must be taken but most programs offer interesting electives that could relate to motorcycle or automotive locks, and legal and business aspects of locksmithing.
Step Three: Find and Complete an Apprenticeship
As an alternative or in addition to schooling, you can acquire real-world experience by signing up for and completing an apprenticeship with an expert locksmith.
Although some apprenticeships in New Hampshire are unpaid, the information around running a business and the technical aspects of the job in real-world settings is like gold.
An apprenticeship is not required in New Hampshire to become a locksmith.
Step Four: Sign Up for a Professional Locksmithing Organization
ALOA is a suitable place for new and existing locksmiths to network, learn about the newest technologies, take continuing education classes, find insurance and bonding opportunities, and have access to legal representation.
The purpose of ALOA is to improve business operations for members and hopefully expand the customer base.
Step Five: Sign Up for an Insurance Plan
If your goal is to open a locksmithing business, then you will need business insurance and bonding to protect you and your assets.
The policy must include coverage for business assets, business vehicles, and liability insurance in case of a lawsuit, accident, error, or mistake.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith
No locksmith licensing requirements exist in New Hampshire, which has its positives and negatives.
On the positive side, few barriers of entry and ease of setting up a business allow you to enter the field almost immediately.
On the other hand, any individual in New Hampshire can claim they are a locksmith and not be required to show proof.
This gives scammers a foot in the door with unsuspecting homeowners and business owners.
This should not deter you from entering the industry.
Instead, prove that you are real and great at your job!
Locksmith Programs
Ashworth College
Ashworth College is one of the leading online locksmith program options.
The cost is $749 for a four-month comprehensive program.
North Bennet St. School
Although not located in New Hampshire but neighboring Boston, the North Bennet Street School offers nine-month locksmithing and security technology program that helps students get a jumpstart on their carrier.
This program runs at $21,000 and is in-person, firsthand training.
Penn Foster
The other leading online locksmithing program is offered by Penn Foster.
The cost of the program is also $749, but with a much longer length of completion at just under one year.
Salary
The U.S. median locksmith annual income is a little over $54,000 with a range from $40,000 to $67,000.
In New Hampshire, the median annual income is above the national average at $58,693 with a range from $43,841 to $72,974.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Manchester | $55,552 |
| Nashua | $58,693 |
| Concord | $55,877 |
| Derry | $57,059 |
| Rochester | $55,217 |
| Salem | $57,826 |
| Dover | $55,444 |
| Merrimack | $58,693 |
| Londonderry | $58,693 |
| Hudson | $58,693 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is locksmithing considered a good career in New Hampshire?
Yes, with a median income of more than $4,000 over the median national average, being a locksmith in New Hampshire can be a lucrative opportunity, especially if you run a business.
It also allows you to gain experience in how to pick, install, and repair the latest locking system technologies.
What if I have a New Hampshire criminal record?
Since New Hampshire does not have a licensure requirement, your criminal past does not matter if you strive to work for yourself.
However, if you work for a locksmithing company, they will most likely give you a background check to be hired as a new employee.
Why is attending a locksmith trade school in New Hampshire a good idea?
In addition to setting you apart from the competition and refining your skills, completing a locksmith training program will give you insight into the latest technologies within the industry.
This could help make your job easier and allow you to specialize in new systems.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Locksmith
Locksmith Training by State