How to Become a Locksmith in Arizona

No matter how careful people try to be, there will always be someone locked out of their car, home, office, or vehicle.

And due to that, there will always be a need for locksmiths.

If you are considering a career as a locksmith in Arizona, rest assured that you will have work to keep you busy.

This guide can help you get a strong start in your new career venture.

Steps to Become a Locksmith in Arizona

The good news is that getting started as a locksmith is a fairly easy thing to do in Arizona.

The following steps are recommended, though not all are required:

1. Get the training you need to succeed: No formal education is required in Arizona, but you’ll still need the skills to do your job.
2. Decide whether you want to work for yourself or someone else: The decision you make here will influence other parts of your journey.
3. Get licensed and insured: If you choose to work for yourself, you’ll need a business license and should have business insurance to protect yourself.
4. Join the ALOA or other associations: The Associated Locksmiths of America is a great organization for any locksmith – we’ll go more in-depth about this below.
5. Show your skills, abilities, and trustworthiness: If you’re starting your own business, no certifications are required – but they can certainly help. If you choose to work for a company, they might require that you have certain certifications.
6. Start working: There are always opportunities on job boards. And if you’re working for yourself, you’ll need to advertise your services so people know they can call when they need you.
7. Stay on top of changing laws and technology: Though there are no specific requirements for locksmiths now, that could always change in the future. And technology is always changing, so you must stay up to date on your trade.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith in Arizona

At this time, Arizona does not require locksmiths to have a specific license – although, you will need a business license if you’re running your own.

Keep in mind, though, that locksmiths can more easily gain entry into people’s homes, vehicles, and safes.

So, while the locksmithing industry isn’t currently regulated, there are many people concerned about this and suggesting changes to the laws.

This means that there could be a day when Arizona does require a locksmith license.

In the meantime, you can operate as an independent locksmith without one – and any certifications or formal education.

If you choose to work for someone else, they might require that you pass a background check, get specific licensing or permits, and demonstrate your abilities through certifications and completion of educational programs.

Locksmith Programs in Arizona

Though there aren’t many options, you can take advantage of a few locksmith programs in Arizona.

Arizona School of Locksmithing

If you want to invest in yourself and your career, you should consider Arizona School of Locksmithing.

It offers a very comprehensive course that covers topics like the general business side of locksmithing, ethics for the industry, types, and grades of locks, rekeying and repinning, impressioning, tumbler locks, safe lock services, car key making, and opening, and everything in-between.

Incredibly, it teaches all of this in two weeks, with classes starting at the beginning of every month.

You should be prepared to pay $2,995 for this course, which can be a hefty investment for most people.

However, if you can manage it, you can have the knowledge you need to get to work in just a couple of weeks.

ACME Locksmith Training

ACME Locksmith is a Phoenix-based company that provides in-depth hands-on training.

There are several courses to choose from, including general handyman and maintenance locksmithing, basic automotive locksmithing, and basic residential locksmithing which take anywhere from one to two weeks to complete.

Depending on the course you choose, the pricing starts at $699 and goes up to $950.

The company will not work with anyone who abuses drugs or has a criminal history, though, so you have to pay $150 upfront for a drug and security screening.

ALOA

The Associated Locksmiths of America isn’t so much a school or a one-time program.

Instead, it’s a membership that provides plenty of opportunities for locksmiths.

You can obtain certifications through the association, and go to their ongoing seminars and annual conferences where they teach hundreds of courses and more.

Not only can this ensure you stay up to date with skills and technology, but it can also show your customers that you are trustworthy.

Salary for Locksmiths in Arizona

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports show that the mean annual wage for Arizona locksmiths is $40,240 – or about $19.35 per hour.

The overall range for this industry in the state is $32,340 to $51,020.

Annual Salary Range:* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Arizona

* 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.