How to Become a Locksmith in Arkansas

Candidates who would like to follow a career as a locksmith in Arkansas do not require any formal training.

However, a minimum of a high school diploma is required to enter the field.

Candidates may attend a vocational school while still attending high school to obtain a certificate before starting their career in this field.

The state of Arkansas does require that candidates complete an apprenticeship with a suitably qualified locksmith.

The locksmith must be certified or must be a master locksmith.

The national average starting salary in this position is $32,000.

Steps to Become a Locksmith in Arkansas

Step 1: Candidates must complete high school or obtain a GED in addition to obtaining a certificate from a vocational school in locksmithing.

The certificate is not mandatory but it does help to secure a good-paying job.

An introductory locksmithing program will usually include the tools and equipment needed to perform the day-to-day duties of a locksmith.

Step 2: Pass a background and drug screening.

Students must pass mandatory tests to be eligible to work in the field in this state.

Step 3: Apply for a locksmith’s apprentice position.

Gain hands-on experience.

This will allow the candidate to work under the direct supervision of a certified or master locksmith and gain valuable experience.

Step 4: Sign up with a trade association in the industry.

Step 5: After completing an apprenticeship, you may want to look for work as a qualified locksmith.

Step 6: Start your own business. Some individuals have an entrepreneurial flair and may opt to start their own locksmithing business.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith in Arkansas

There are no licensing requirements for locksmiths in the state of Arkansas.

If you plan to open your own business as a locksmith in the state of Arkansas, you only need to apply for a sales tax permit or seller’s permit.

And, this is only if you plan to sell merchandise in your store.

Locksmith Programs

1. ALOA

ALOA offers in-person and online locksmithing programs.

However, if you reside in Arkansas, you may need to travel to attend the in-person program.

This association has certified over 4,000 locksmiths nationwide.

The ALOA Security Professionals Associations, Inc. offers four training sessions per year.

Candidates should keep an eye on their website as the locations change each year.

The website does not mention any price regarding the in-person training programs.

To find out the price, you must apply for the program or contact the agency directly.

These programs generally last for around a week.

Some scholarships may cover your tuition in part or in full.

2. Udemy

Udemy offers lockpicking programs.

These programs are not the same as traditional locksmithing programs and focus more on how to pick locks rather than giving a broad coverage of the different kinds of locks, keys, and locking devices, and how to service them.

This program is more geared toward candidates who are still somewhat unsure of this career path.

This will allow these candidates to get a feel for the industry and the day-to-day requirements of the job.

These programs run for approximately $15.

There are currently five different programs offered at Udemy and new programs are added every month.

These programs are generally offered by certified locksmiths with experience in the industry.

3. Penn Foster

Penn Foster offers an online locksmith program.

The program is accredited, self-paced, and offered completely online.

Students learn about different kinds of keys, locking systems, and home security systems through interactive assignments and practical exercises.

The program is flexible and allows students to learn at their own pace.

Students learn how to identify different types of keys, and how to duplicate or build these keys.

In addition, students are introduced to the common tools and equipment used to open locks, vaults, and safes.

The career diploma can be finished in as little as five months.

Tuition is $899 when paid in full.

Alternatively, tuition is $1,089 if students opt to pay monthly, at a rate of $59 per month.

Salary

The average annual salary for a certified Locksmith in Arkansas is $56,329 on the high and $35,388 on the low.

This is approximately $27 an hour, $1,083 a week, or $4,694 a month on the high end for an entry-level position.

Some factors may influence the actual salary amount, which includes the type of employer, the amount of experience the locksmith has, and the qualifications and training that the locksmith has received.

Annual Salary Range:* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Arkansas

* 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.