Thinking about becoming a locksmith then check out some of these stats

According to http://www.bls.gov/

these are the states with the most licensed locksmiths

 Top paying States for this occupation:

Nature of Work: Locksmiths repair and open locks, make keys, and change locks and safe combinations.

They may install and repair safes, disassemble mechanical or electrical locking devices, or repair or replace

worn tumblers, springs, or other parts. They insert new or repaired tumblers into locks to change combinations.

Locksmiths may also repair or adjust safes, vault doors, and vault components. They frequently use

hand tools, lathes, drill presses, and welding and acetylene cutting tools.

Working Conditions: Locksmiths usually work indoors but may work in a variety of conditions. Some work in

shops where consumers bring keys, locks, or other items for repair or replacement. However, others work out

of mobile units such as trucks or vans. Many locksmiths work in cramped conditions or in awkward positions

as they repair or replace equipment. Many locksmiths work at night or on weekends because they respond to

consumer needs.

The whole point of having a business is to make money,so here are a couple of money making ideas that I thought would help some of the Locksmiths out there struggling to get business.
1.If you are not a 24 hour Locksmith then become one or atleast be on call. Most of the times it’s when your not open is when people need their cars or houses or whatever unlocked. And by doing this you are able to charge a higher rate than if you would during the day.
2.If there are other locksmith shops around go by and check them out see if they are busy,have different services to offer than you do, their pricing. If they are busy then see if you can find out why.
3.Customer service is crucial to keeping repeat customers and having them tell others about your services. Word of mouth is one of the biggest marketing techniques you posess.
4.Promote your self in a non “used car salesman way” your not trying to screw people over,your trying to give them an honest service at an honest price people respond to this a whole lot more.

There a number of different ways to become a master locksmith:

1.Enroll in a training program- there are a number of different programs at local technical schools and high schools. Most of the time the schools will let you take the classes without having to be there for a degree program. Another great option is to just audit a class (this won’t get you

Insert link here for technical schools

2.Enroll in a online training program-you will want to make sure that the one that you are selecting is accredited,and is able to meet your needs.

Another great place to check out some really good locksmithing info is The Associated Locksmiths of America. They offers more than 95 classes to assist those who desire to become locksmiths and achieve certification

3.the next step in becoming a master lock smith is to take and pass a locksmithing certification test. There are courses that can help you pass the exam, most of which will more than likely be covered in the program you take in one of the training programs.

4.Another way in which one can become a locksmith is to become an apprentice of one. Working hands on under a master locksmith or someone who knows many parts of the trade will greatly help your accumilation of knowledge on the subject.

5. This method is more for people who do not like to go to school or have another job right now, or who just don’t have the time to be school. there are many great forums out there on a variety of subjects ranging from locksmithing,lockpicking,building certain locks and lock picking tools, and so on.The point of these forums is for people of like minds to get together and share their knowledge with each other.