- Locksmith & Home Security Technician
- Getting a career diploma in as little as 2 months.
- Gain experience with practical exercises and interactive assignments.
- Learn how to identify, create, and duplicate keys.
- Learn to work with several types of locks including safes, valuts, and auto.
- and more...
Locksmiths will always be in demand as long as there is a need for security.
A locksmith’s job varies from replacing lock systems to anything from house doors to car doors and ignitions.
If you are someone who likes problem-solving and working with your hands and brain, then Locksmithing would be quite the fun and fulfilling career choice for you.
Table of Contents
Steps to Become a Locksmith in New York
Step 1: The first step to becoming a locksmith in New York is to enroll in an accredited Locksmithing program to earn your certificate.
This will ensure that when you are seeking employment, you will get a stable position and better opportunities will be presented for advancement in your career.
Step 2: Fill out the Individual Licensing Application on the online website and submit it or in-person.
Step 3: Wait for the approval of your licensing application which will be sent to you via email.
Step 4: Once you have received your license you can start looking for a position in the locksmith industry or start your own business in locksmithing after gaining enough experience.
Licensing Requirements to Become a locksmith in New York
In New York, it is required to have a locksmith’s license to be able to work in this field.
Locksmith licensing is issued by the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).
To make the application for your locksmith license you will need your photo ID, your current passport photo in color, proof of your locksmith’s certificate, fingerprints and to pay the license fee.
As well as to pass a criminal background check.
Locksmith Programs in New York
1. The Charles Stuart School
The Charles Stuart School offers a 900-hour Basic locksmithing course that takes about nine months to complete.
The program covers all the basic topics in locksmithing, from theory to practice, and ensures that students will be prepared to acquire the licensing application.
Students will be provided with a Locks and Locksmithing textbook in an electronic format that will be included in the enrollment fee.
The school’s tuition is $20,000, which includes the additional registration fee.
2. The Society of Professional Locksmiths
The Society of Professional Locksmiths offers a 12-chapter Basic Locksmith Training Program.
It consists of the core knowledge that locksmiths are expected to know, plus hands-on training.
The tuition cost is only $14.95, this includes additional resources for each chapter but does not include the materials such as the locksmith kit.
There are three additional courses offered by this school.
The first is an online program with all course materials online and all study work being completed online.
This program is completely free.
For those who prefer to have physical study materials and equipment, the school offers three other locksmith courses:
- The basic kit costs $574.80
- The complete program costs $1,377,73
- The training manual which costs $149
3. City Tech College
City Tech College offers a 70-hour online Locksmith course.
The course consists of basic theory and hands-on training, from lock-picking all types of doors to installing and restoring different lock systems and duplicating keys.
For students who attend the online class, zoom login details will be provided.
This program is specifically designed for the following candidates:
- Hardware specialists
- Aspiring locksmiths
- Security personnel
- Handymen
- Building maintenance
The tuition is $1,130 and students are expected to purchase their own Locksmith textbook as well as a kit.
4. New York College of Technology
New York College of Technology offers a locksmith program.
This is the same program offered by City Tech College.
The program is 70 hours in duration and the tuition is $1,130.
The course material introduces students to various aspects of this job including different types of keys, locking devices, different methods of picking a lock, as well as repair and service locks.
The training focuses on both residential and commercial buildings.
Students learn how to install locks and how to open different kinds of locks.
Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the state examination.
4 Best Locksmith Schools in New York
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Charles Stuart School | 1420 Kings Highway 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11229 |
| Champion Locksmith LLC | 495 Viola Rd, Spring Valley, NY 10977 |
| The Continuing Education and Workforce Development Department at Hostos Community College | 560 Exterior Street Bronx, NY 10451 |
| New York City College of Technology | 300 Jay St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 |
Salary
The average annual salary for a certified Locksmith in New York is $67,489.
This is approximately $32 an hour, $1,298 a week, or $5,624 a month on the high end for an entry-level position.
The salary varies according to the exact location in the state of New York, the type of employer, and the number of years of experience the candidate has.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Locksmiths in New York
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Albany | $54,443 |
| Utica | $52,673 |
| Yonkers | $61,738 |
| Rochester | $52,780 |
| New Rochelle | $60,987 |
| New York | $62,650 |
| Troy | $54,389 |
| Huntington | $61,148 |
| Buffalo | $52,137 |
| Brooklyn | $62,650 |
Regional Salary in New York
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | 70 | $52,570 | $25.27 | $70,390 | $31,200 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | 50 | $51,320 | $24.67 | $58,050 | $35,280 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | 1,290 | $61,160 | $29.40 | $90,800 | $37,770 |
| Rochester, NY | 30 | $56,120 | $26.98 | $74,380 | $35,810 |
| Syracuse, NY | 30 | $58,780 | $28.26 | $78,760 | $35,880 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
im trying to get finacail aid, but i need info.
Why isn’t the full amount mentioned?
This guide on becoming a locksmith in New York is comprehensive and practical. I appreciate the clear outline of the stages, from initial training to obtaining a license and starting your own business. The emphasis on obtaining hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships is crucial, as locksmithing is a trade that requires a high level of skill and precision. The post also touches on the importance of understanding the legal aspects of locksmithing, such as adhering to local regulations and obtaining the necessary insurance. For anyone looking to start a locksmith business, the tips on marketing and building a client base are particularly valuable. This article provides a holistic view of what it takes to succeed in this field.
I have been working as a locksmith in Nashville for five years and thinking about relocating to New York because I have a lot of family there, the problem is I feel like it will be too expensive to live there, do you think it will be achievable to make a good living in New York as a locksmith?