How to Become a Locksmith in Massachusetts

Finding work as a locksmith in the state of Massachusetts is not hard at all.

As long as there are locks, there will be a need for a locksmith.

Being a locksmith is a great way to earn a living in Massachusetts, but getting started may be daunting.

Especially if you don’t know where or how to get started.

There are specific steps that need to be followed to be successful in this field.

In this article, we highlight the most important steps on your journey to becoming a locksmith.

Steps to Become a Locksmith in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is one of the states that does not require formal education or any previous training to become a locksmith.

There are associates in Massachusetts who provide support and guidance for locksmiths who would like career advice or opportunities to advance their careers through training.

One such example is the Massachusetts Locksmith Association, established in 1957.

The goal of the association, apart from educational support and advice, is to provide members with support in legislative action and conducting conferences on matters of the industry.

This is a resourceful membership to have and provides a comprehensive list of all locksmiths and businesses operating in Massachusetts.

Essentially, candidates may apply for membership and simply start looking for a training program to help advance their skills in the field.

Upon completion of a training program, candidates may opt to either seek employment through a locksmith’s company or to start their own business.

It may be best to first gain some exposure to the industry under the guidance of an experienced locksmith.

For those who would like to pursue a training program, the steps are as follows:

Step 1: Find a school that offers a locksmith program. Attend the program and write the examination to obtain certification.

Step 2: Participate in an apprenticeship to gain hands-on experience in the field and industry.

Step 3: Apply for membership with a professional association in the industry.

Step 4: Either seek full-time employment or start a business in the industry.

Step 5: Follow the steps to get the business registered.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith in Massachusetts

The state does not require certification or licensing to work as a locksmith.

However, candidates should reach out to City Hall if they choose to open their own locksmith business as some permits and licenses must be obtained for the company.

Firstly, the company should be registered for tax.

Secondly, if the business is run in a name other than the legal name of the owner, the business will need to obtain and complete a DBA Doing Business as Trade Name registration in addition to getting a business license to operate and obtaining an EIN or tax number.

Locksmith Programs

1. Penn Foster

Penn Foster offers an online locksmith and home security technician training program.

The duration of the program is seven months and the fast-track version of the program may be completed in five months.

The self-paced program is accredited and comprises five courses, two projects, and 19 exams.

Students are introduced to different locks and how to open them, mastering the fundamentals of home security, and home security wiring.

Tuition for the program is $899.

2. The North Bennet St. School

The school offers a locksmithing and safe repair diploma program.

This program may be completed in nine months (36 weeks/900 hours) and class sizes are rather small to ensure quality instruction and that each student gets enough attention during class time.

In addition to theory, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in class time and during the second semester when they are required to continue their studies part-time to work full-time.

Classes meet five days a week in the morning.

Each classroom is equipped with the tools and equipment needed to perform each job and students get exposure to real-life situations through simulation.

Tuition is $1,900 with an additional $200 for books and supplies.

3. The Peterson School

The Peterson School offers an 11-week locksmith technician program, ideal for candidates who would like to work in domestic, industrial, or commercial settings.

Students learn about new installations, repairs, and maintenance.

Students must first pass a background clearance to participate in the program.

Hands-on training is available during the spring and fall in Westwood and Worcester, MA.

Tuition for the program is $1,600 plus an additional $450 for books.

Salary

Locksmiths in Massachusetts may expect the following salary range:

• Entry-level – $41,748
• Mid-range – $55,092
• Experienced – $66,451

Annual Salary Range:* Salary information last updated 2025

Regional Salary in Massachusetts

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers, OCC Code 49-9094, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.