How to Become a Locksmith in New Mexico

As of March 10, 2021, New Mexico had the nation’s highest property crime and package theft rates and the second-highest violent crime rate.

Consequently, locksmiths play an essential role in protecting the public.

Although New Mexico does not license locksmiths, it does license construction contractors.

The definition of contractors in New Mexico includes constructing, altering, repairing, installing, or demolishing any of the following:

• buildings, stadiums, or other structures;
• airports, subways, or similar facilities;
• sewerage or water treatment facilities;
• power generating plants, pump stations,
• natural gas compressing stations or similar facilities.

However, it does not include anyone providing one-time, incidental services that amount to less than $7200 per year in value.

Gaining a Professional Edge in New Mexico Locksmithing

Adding electronic home security systems installation and maintenance and safe installation and repair to your New Mexico locksmithing business expands your income opportunities.

However, you might be required to obtain an electrical contractor’s license if you own and operate your business.

Additionally, being bonded and insured will make you appear more professional.

Steps to Becoming a Locksmith in New Mexico

1. Find a master-level locksmith in New Mexico willing to accept you as an apprentice or hire you as a trainee OR
2. Attend an accredited in-person or online locksmith training program, and pass the course at 70 percent or higher.
3. Obtain New Mexico general liability, business auto, professional liability, commercial property, worker’s compensation, and umbrella insurance policies according to your locksmith’s business needs.
4. Get your business vehicle(s) painted or wrapped with advertising for your New Mexico locksmith business.
5. Hold a soft opening at your New Mexico main office.
6. Register with New Mexico AAA if you intend to offer roadside lockout services.
7. Hold a Grand Opening at the beginning of the second month after your soft opening.
8. Have all guests at your New Mexico main office Grand Opening register for prizes.
9. Be sure to take photos of the winners receiving their New Mexico Grand Opening prizes and display them on your social media pages with their permission.

Licensing Requirements to Become a New Mexico Locksmith

As of July 1, 2018, New Mexico no longer explicitly requires locksmiths to hold a professional license.

Legislation requiring locksmith licenses, introduced in 2012 during the second session of the 50th Legislature of the State of New Mexico, expired on that date due to the Sunset Act.

However, Oklahoma and Texas, which share at least part of their borders with New Mexico, do.

Consequently, you may decide to license yourself in one of those states if you live near the eastern side of your state.

Salary

The mean annual salary for locksmiths nationwide equals $47,810.

However, locksmiths in the Land of Enchantment make $54,580, giving them $6,770 extra per year, or $318,190 over their working lifetimes.

That’s enough to make a median list-price New Mexico home more affordable.

Annual Salary Range:* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in New Mexico

* 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.

Online and At-Home Training Programs for New Mexico Locksmiths

Mr. Locksmith Training

Terry Whin-Yates, the president and CEO of Mr. Locksmith, holds a Master of Criminology degree from Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.

The Online Certificate in Professional Locksmithing, Complete Series, typically costs 1,995 USD.

The course includes:

• An online introductory locksmithing class
• Training in the installation and repair of the most common commercial safes.
• One day of free hands-on, in-person locksmith training in various locations in North America.
• An optional 200-question online exam.
• a set of lockpicks and a dumb key force tool

Penn Foster

The Penn Foster Locksmith & Home Security Technician Career Diploma Program will cost $799 if paid as a single lump sum before classes begin.

Otherwise, it will cost $1.089 if you use the mail-in monthly payment plan instead.

This fully-accredited program takes five to seven months and includes course materials and a digital textbook.

In-Person Locksmithing Classes

Oklahoma Master Locksmith Association

Depending on where you live in New Mexico, you might find it convenient to take in-person locksmithing classes in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

OMLA holds Oklahoma Department of Labor licensing and testing courses every quarter when at least five people express a need.

In addition, they schedule basic and advanced Locksmiths and Access Control programs as needed.

Membership in OMLA qualifies you for a $125 discount on the next Basic Locksmithing course.

Final Advice

If you live near the Oklahoma panhandle or the Texas border with New Mexico, consider carefully whether you wish to obtain a license in either state.

If not, take the online program that provides you with the training program that best suits your intended level of locksmithing service.