Why locksmithing is still a viable and lucrative career choice
Oct 12, 2022
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In one fashion or another, locksmithing has been a viable trade for over 4,000 years. The trade has been able to survive by always staying relevant in a world where technology always changes the way we do things. Yes, home, business, and car security have absolutely evolved over the years. That brings to mind the question, “is locksmithing still a viable trade as we head into the future?"
The answer to that very important question is yes. However, there is clear evidence that the expectations of today’s locksmith are changing rapidly. Let’s take a look at the future of locksmithing for the benefit of young men and women that might want to give the trade a try.
New Demands on Locksmiths
As you contemplate a career as a locksmith, you should be aware of how the trade is evolving. The fact is new demands are being put on the trade. This change in demand has been driven by three factors.
- Given the access consumers have to big box home improvement stores and internet “how-to” information, more people are stepping up to be DIYers. They have become more adventurous in terms of handling some locksmith tasks on their own. That certainly holds true for homeowners wanting to save a buck.
- The days of traditional locks and keys are fading into the past. So much more of the home, business, and car security industries have shifted their focus to electronic security. To stay relevant, locksmiths now have to be tech-savvy in order to meet the needs of customers.
- With fewer individuals entering the locksmith trade, it puts more time pressure on active locksmiths to work more efficiently to meet the needs of customers. To do this, a bigger investment has to be made in the tools of the trade, which are also evolving because of technological needs.
Reasons Why Locksmithing Will Survive
In spite of changes brought on by technology, there is no indication that the locksmith trade is ready for extinction. The fact is that locksmithing is a trade that requires education, experience, and licensing. That makes it clear that the tasks locksmiths are charged with doing are not tasks that most laypersons can handle on their own.
Need is just one reason why locksmiths will always be in demand, but there are other viable reasons as well. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons locksmiths will likely always be needed.
Salaries Make the Locksmith Trade Attractive
As a career, locksmithing offers a way for locksmiths to make a pretty good living in terms of wages/salaries. For locksmiths employed by others, salaries with commission can range from $50K to 75K a year in larger cities. That’s not a bad living for someone who only needs to commit a few months to education and training.
If someone decides they want to hang their own shingle and be the employer, the income possibilities are tremendous. The fact is locksmithing requires low overhead beyond the purchase of tools and mobile units. The need for an office facility is essentially nonexistent because locksmiths work out in the community. With lower overhead costs, locksmith company owners have the potential of establishing healthy profit margins, which can contribute to a heck of a living.
Societal Issues Driving the Need for More Security
Back in the 1950s and 1960s, people felt safe when leaving their homes and cars unlocked as they went about their daily business. Here is 2022, and the world is a very different place. There seems to be a lot more envy among people, which often leads to more larceny and burglary.
As crime continues to rise in both residential and commercial areas, homeowners and business owners are forced to ramp up their security measures. That includes the incorporation of more locks and intricate electronic security systems. Since every security feature known to mankind is fallible, the need for highly-trained locksmiths will remain high.
The Demands of Technology
Indeed, electronic security and surveillance are fast becoming the best way for people to protect their personal and business assets. Given the complicated nature of computer and electronic technology, there is a need for locksmiths who have the training to handle technology-related problems with locks, keys, and electronic security systems.
A layperson is not going to take classes on handling the latest security technologies. As a tradesperson, locksmiths will undoubtedly do that because demand dictates that they do that. What has transpired is the focus of locksmith work has changed.
New technologies have made otherwise menial tasks into tasks that require a lot more in terms of brain power. Today’s locksmiths need to be better problem solvers, have business savvy, be good with their hands, and be able to offer excellent customer service.