How to Become a Locksmith in Georgia

Becoming a locksmith in Georgia is an excellent career choice with many available opportunities.

While many locksmiths decide to start their business, there are various other options to work for large companies in private security or manufacturing.

In addition, locksmiths enjoy the benefits of choosing hours and doing the job part-time, which is a great way to earn supplemental income or add to a handyman’s business.

Whatever the reason you wish to become a locksmith in Georgia, it’s essential to understand the requirements of the state and available programs.

Keep reading to learn more!

Steps to Become a Locksmith in Georgia

Georgia has no required licensure or certification to open a locksmithing business.

This means the only requirement is the correct training types.

The basic steps to becoming a locksmith in Georgia are as follows:

Step One: Enroll in a Credible Training Program

Finding a credible training program is relatively easy since there’s plenty of information online about available schools.

The only factual information you need to determine is how you learn.

Do you have the discipline and motivation to learn a trade online?

Do you need to be in a physical classroom doing hands-on work to learn the basics?

Many training programs also offer specializations or advanced courses to help expand your skills.

This is a great option to differentiate from others looking to start their locksmithing career.

Also, it enables you to craft your career path.

For instance, if you’re interested in automotive locks, you can take different classes focused on vehicles.

Step Two: Source an Apprenticeship

Reaching out to past instructors and other students or working with the training program are great options for finding an apprenticeship.

Also, checking with local locksmithing companies and online job boards can be helpful resources.

Step Three: Find a Job

While many apprenticeships become full-time jobs, if you want to work for another company, apply for the locksmith position like any other job.

However, if you’re going to work for yourself, you need to get a business license from the state to open up a locksmithing company.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith

The State of Georgia doesn’t require licensure, certifications, or exams to become a locksmith.

However, it’s critical to check with the local government to understand better if you need to register as a locksmith.

Different states have different requirements, which could be passed down to the county or town level to manage.

There are basic requirements to become a locksmith, which include an age of 18 years or older and a sound ethical and moral background.

Having a criminal record won’t deter you from working as a locksmith.

However, specific employers may have hiring rules.

Also, those with excellent mathematical and mechanical abilities will do their best in this field.

This includes knowledge of locking components and how to use tools to repair and open locks, all of which are learned in training programs.

Locksmith Programs

Georgia has several programs that are entirely online or completely hands-on for students to select.

Several of the topic programs include the following:

Ashworth College

Ashworth College’s fully online locksmith training program teaches students the basics of the trade and can be completed in as fast as four months.

The program covers electric and manual lock systems for a variety of applications.

It allows students to progress through the program at their own pace with online tutoring, locksmithing tools, and various digital resources.

Stratford Career Institute

The Stratford Career Institute is another online-only locksmith program that can be completed in under one year.

The program’s cost, including materials, is just under $700, which can be paid in monthly installments while working through the program.

The course curriculum includes the basics of locksmithing, including key cutting, locksets, automotive locks servicing, and home security.

Other topics include the business of locksmithing, lock and key types, tools, lock picking, drilling open safes, CCTV systems, and working as a locksmith.

The Locksmith School

The Locksmith School, presented by MJS Locksmith Training, is a company that travels between cities offering in-person locksmith training.

Located in Atlanta, The Locksmith School provides hands-on training and locksmithing techniques to students surrounding electronic and manual locking systems for vehicles, residences, and businesses.

Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average annual income of a locksmith is $47,800, with pay ranging from $29,000 to $70,000.

This is highly dependent on location, skill level, and experience.

In Georgia, the average salary is slightly higher than the national average at $49,000 per year.

Annual Salary Range:* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Georgia

* 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.