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If you have a passion for security, enjoy creative problem solving, and like working with your hands, then a career as a locksmith might be the right choice.
Skilled locksmiths perform a wide range of duties, including repairing, adjusting, and installing residential and commercial locks, duplicating keys, changing lock combinations, and installing locking systems to protect commercial and residential properties from unauthorized entry.
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Steps to Become a Locksmith in South Carolina
If you have ever been locked out of your car without a spare set of keys, then you may be familiar with one of a locksmith’s skillsets.
However, a trained locksmith’s skills go well beyond helping people who have locked their keys in the car.
Earn your accredited, affordable Locksmith career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
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Fortunately, South Carolina does not require any special training or certifications to become a locksmith in the state.
If you are already a skilled locksmith, you can start applying for jobs or begin the process of starting your own business.
If you are not a skilled locksmith, you will need to develop the skills required to do the job professionally.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith in South Carolina
South Carolina does not require a specific license to work as a locksmith in the state.
If you want to start your own locksmith business, you will need to follow the state requirements to register your services.
However, you must have the knowledge and training to work in this profession if you want to earn a good salary.
You can start by taking basic locksmith training courses, and as you develop an understanding of this profession, move on to advanced courses.
You can then take tests from the Associated Locksmiths of America to obtain certification.
ALOA offers tests for a registered locksmith, certified registered locksmith, certified automotive locksmith, certified professional locksmith, and certified master locksmith.
Locksmith Programs
Most locksmiths obtain their skills from on-the-job training.
Many companies offer basic lock training programs to help novice locksmiths get their feet wet.
Some companies also offer classroom-style training and courses, and the ALOA provides a list of over 100 training classes that prepare novice locksmiths to take the certification tests.
You will also find a list of schools on the ALOA site offering resident, correspondent, online, and travel-resident training.
PennFoster.edu offers a locksmith and home security technician program to help you build industry knowledge.
Accredited, online and self-paced, this online course teaches you how to identify and create duplicate keys, how to differentiate types of locks, how to recognize the components of a mechanical safe lock, and the tools needed to open locks without keys.
The cost is $839 if you pay in full, $899 on the auto-pay plan, and $925 on the monthly payment plan.
Locksmith Salary in South Carolina
As of January 27, 2022, Salary.com reports the average locksmith’s salary is $54,145 in the United States.
The average salary range falls between $46,973 and $61,041, depending on your skills, training, and level of certification.
The average locksmith’s salary in South Carolina is $50,679, according to Salary.com, and the typical pay range falls between $43,967 and $57,134.
The average salary of a locksmith apprentice is $37,855 while the average salary of an experienced locksmith is $63,011.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Columbia | $50,173 |
| Charleston | $51,418 |
| North Charleston | $51,418 |
| Greenville | $51,432 |
| Rock Hill | $53,295 |
| Mount Pleasant | $51,418 |
| Spartanburg | $50,604 |
| Sumter | $48,416 |
| Hilton Head Island | $50,549 |
| Florence | $48,806 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take me to become a professional locksmith?
If you have no experience, it usually takes about 6 months as an apprentice to obtain the skills you need to work on residential locks.
You will also have the skills to complete work on some commercial locks.
It takes another six to 12 months to gain the skills necessary to work complete automotive locksmith tasks.
What tools do I need to become a locksmith?
The most common tools you will need to become a locksmith are lock picks, tension tools and hand picks.
Most locksmiths use a variety of pick designs such as rakes, hooks, ball picks and diamond picks.
Other tools include key-making machines, plug spinners (which removes a broken key from any direction inside the lock), pick guns (used to open locks) and broken key extractors.
How do I get an apprenticeship to become a locksmith in South Carolina?
The best way to land an apprenticeship role with a local company is to take training courses in locksmith specialization.
Training courses provide you with a general understanding of what a locksmith does and give you a better chance of landing an apprenticeship with a local company.
Additionally, find local companies that offer apprenticeships and ask them what you need to do to land a role.
Each locksmith company has its own specialties, like working with safes or handling the security of large corporations, so it is critical to find a company that offers a role that interests you.
Since locksmiths spend years mastering their craft, you should find a specialty that will keep you rewarded and fulfilled throughout your career.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Locksmith
Locksmith Training by State
I might be interested in working wanted to start my own locksmith service! I’ve been towing for over 30 years
I’m interested in becoming a locksmith, I don’t have any experience but I’m more than happy to apprentice and learn from you.
Hi,
I own a successful 26yr old locksmith business in Lexington, SC. I am looking to hire someone to help me. It has been difficult for me to find a qualified candidate. Do you have any avenues in Lexington, SC or the surrounding areas where I could list a job posting? Or know of where I could recruit for an employee? Or know of any other avenues I could visit to help with my search?
Thank you!