How to Become a Locksmith in New York City

Does being a locksmith interest you?

Perhaps you’re certain that you want to become a locksmith but are just uncertain about where to start.

Whether you want to work as a locksmith or own your very own locksmith business and live in New York City, this guide is for you.

Continue reading to learn about the steps you need to take to become a locksmith in New York City, along with programs in the city and state that offer locksmith programs to help you on your journey.

Steps to Become a Locksmith in New York City

Here are several steps you should take in order to become a locksmith in New York City:

Step 1: Enroll in a Locksmith Program

The first thing you’ll want to do when on your way to becoming a locksmith in New York is to look for and enroll in a locksmithing program.

By doing so, you will be able to earn your certificate.

Also, you’ll want to make sure that the program is accredited.

Having a certificate from an accredited school will enable you to find employment and land a stable job much easier.

Step 2: Complete Application

Next, you want to fill out the application to receive your individual licensing for the state.

You can do this by either going online or submitting it in person.

Step 3: Receive Application Approval

After you have filled out and submitted your application to receive a license for a locksmith in New York, you will wait to receive approval of your application.

The approval will be sent to you through your email.

Step 4: Look for Locksmith Positions

Once your application has been approved, and you’ve received your locksmith’s license, you can start searching for job openings in your industry.

If starting your own locksmith business is your dream, you now have the approval to start that process, as long as you’ve gained enough experience.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith in New York City

New York does require locksmiths to be licensed in order to work in this profession.

Regardless of the city you reside in New York, the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, also known as DCWP, issues all locksmith licenses.

To receive your license, you must submit an ID, and photo, pass a criminal background check, and show proof that you meet the locksmith qualifications.

Furthermore, if you plan on going the apprenticeship route, you will need to pass an exam to receive the appropriate locksmith apprentice license.

Locksmith license fees in the state of New York can range anywhere from $25 to $125, depending on the year and month you file your application.

Price differentiation will have a lot to do with whether a year ends in an odd or even digit.

Locksmith Programs

Here are several schools in New York that offer locksmith programs:

1. The Charles Stuart School

The Charles Stuart School offers a nine-month program for those wanting to learn basic locksmithing.

The tuition cost is $20,000, and it includes all registration fees.

The program covers a wide range of topics, such as theory to practice.

Following successful completion of this program, students will be more than prepared to submit an application to become licensed.

2. New York College of Technology

Another option is the New York College of Technology.

It’s a 70-hour course that is 100% remote.

The program includes hands-on training and basic theory.

Students will learn how to lock-pick various types of doors and even install various lock systems.

The program costs $1,130 and is particularly designed for handymen, building maintenance, security personnel, hardware specialists, and aspiring locksmiths.

3. The Society of Professional Locksmiths

The Society of Professional Locksmiths is another school in New York that offers a basic training program for those wanting to become locksmiths.

The entire program costs a total of $1,377.73.

There are three courses offered at The Society of Professional Locksmiths.

4. Penn Foster

Penn Foster offers an online locksmithing program you can complete from home,

You can work on this program at your own pace with videos and get a certification when you complete the program.

Salary

The annual salary for locksmiths working in New York is $62,344 as of October 2024.

However, the normal salary range typically falls anywhere between $54,622 and $68,828.

Many factors can influence your salary, including additional skills, education, and certification.