Skip to the main content
This website uses cookies to give you a better online experience. By using this website or closing this message, you are agreeing to our cookie policy. More information
Alberta Supports Contact Centre

Toll Free 1-877-644-9992

Help us make this website better.

We would like your help to improve this section of alis. Please let us know if you are interested in being part of a research session.

Apprenticeship

Locksmith

Locksmiths install, service and repair locks, originate and duplicate keys, on residential, automotive, commercial and institutional locksets. They also may install and maintain more sophisticated security, access control, and security camera systems.

Also Known As

Lock Technician, Safe and Vault Technician

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 7383.2: Locksmiths

2006 NOC-S

  • H523: Other Trades and Related Occupations

2011 NOC

  • 7384: Other trades and related occupations, n.e.c.

2016 NOC

  • 7384: Other trades and related occupations, n.e.c.

2021 NOC

  • 72999: Other technical trades and related occupations

2023 OaSIS

  • 72999.02: Locksmiths
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2020

In general, locksmiths sell, install, and service locks in both the residential and commercial markets ranging from basic to high security locks, keyless entry locks as well as some access control systems, window bars, and other related hardware. They also:

  • Repair, replace or adjust damaged or defective components of an entrance or exit door (for example, door closers, hinges, electric release mechanisms and sometimes the door itself)
  • Service, recode, or rekey locking devices
  • Design or maintain master key systems
  • Help clients re-gain access to secured areas by means of picking or bypassing locking devices

Specific duties vary depending on the area in which locksmiths work:

Shop locksmiths:

  • Service and adjust key machines
  • Repair and re-key locks
  • Originate (make original) and duplicate keys for locks
  • Open cylinders when keys are not available
  • Prepare and maintain masterkey systems
  • Make keys and program transponders for vehicle locks brought into the shop

Mobile locksmiths work from mobile units. In addition to the duties of shop locksmiths, they also:

  • Repair locks in the field
  • Open door locks with lock picks and other bypass tools
  • Open and make keys for automobiles
  • Install locks, door closers and emergency exit hardware
  • Replace hinges and re-align doors
  • Install security bars
  • Install and repair electric strikes and electronic security hardware
  • Service and change combinations on safe and vault doors

Safe and vault technicians have additional training in safe and vault servicing and trouble shooting. They open, service, change combinations, paint, move and install safes.

Locksmiths who service bank equipment work with mechanical and electronic combination locks, time delay devices, safety deposit box locks, night deposit units, ATMs, CRUs, treasury safes and bank vault doors.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

Locksmiths usually work a 5-day week but they can also expect to be on call nights and weekends to respond to emergencies. Self-employed locksmiths may work longer hours.-

Some shops, especially mobile units, may be small and crowded, which means working around benches, counters and stock. Locksmiths sometimes are required to work in awkward or confined spaces, climb ladders, move safes, and lift over 25 kilograms. In mobile units, they may have find themselves dealing with adverse weather conditions.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Locksmiths

2006 NOC: 7383.2

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to manipulate lockpicks in cylinders to open jammed locks and locks without keys, and to fabricate parts

METHODICAL

Interest in replacing worn and damaged parts by chiselling, filing, scraping and other tooling to correct dimensions

innovative

Interest in analyzing information to disassemble locks such as padlocks and door locks to locate defects

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Locksmiths need:

  • Accuracy, patience and stamina
  • Reliability, honesty and self-motivation
  • Mechanical, math, and computer skills
  • Tact when dealing with the public
  • Good vision and hearing
  • Hand-eye co-ordination to work with small and intricate parts
  • The ability to work alone

They should enjoy doing precision work, solving problems and helping people.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Other trades and related occupations, n.e.c.

2016 NOC: 7384

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 107 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 05, 2022 and Oct 28, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Organized
Team player
Accurate
Attention to detail
Equipment and Machinery Experience: Power tools
Equipment and Machinery Experience: Hand tools
Manual dexterity
Client focus
Hand-eye co-ordination
Excellent oral communication
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Minimum Education Apprenticeship

To work in Alberta, a locksmith must be licensed by Alberta Justice and Solicitor General under the Alberta Security Service and Investigators Act (SSIA) and must be ONE of the following:

  • A registered apprentice
  • An Alberta-certified journeyperson
  • Someone who holds a recognized trade certificate

To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:

  • Have an Alberta high school transcript with at least English Language Arts 10-2, Math 10-3, or equivalent
  • Have a pass mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
  • Pass an entrance exam

Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates. Knowledge of computers, electronics, carpentry and metal work is an asset.

During the apprenticeship program, apprentices must hold a valid Locksmith Apprentices Training Licence issued by Alberta Justice and Solicitor General.

The term of apprenticeship is 3 years (three12-month periods) that includes a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year.

High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.

Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Apprenticeship Trades
Red Deer Polytechnic

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Locksmith

Locksmiths install, service and repair locks, originate and duplicate keys, on residential, automotive, commercial and institutional locksets. They also may install and maintain more sophisticated security, access control, and security camera systems. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Security Services and Investigators Act [pdf] and Security Services and Investigators (Ministerial) Regulation [pdf], you must be licensed by the Government of Alberta to possess locksmith tools or work on locking devices or master key systems, maintain key code records, or cut, make or sell keys or other lock-operating devices for which duplication is restricted.

Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], locksmith apprentices must be registered with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training to learn the trade.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Locksmith.

Additional Information

Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Locksmiths are employed by locksmithing companies, related security firms and institutions.

Locksmith apprentices are often required to provide their own tools.

Experienced locksmiths can advance to supervisory positions or set up their own businesses. Most locksmiths stay in this profession, making it a life-long occupation.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Other trades and related occupations, n.e.c.
2016 NOC: 7384

78.0% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Other technical trades and related occupations
2021 NOC: 72999
Lower
Demand
< 1500
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Other trades and related occupations, n.e.c.
2016 NOC: 7384
2.4%
Annual Growth
(Average)
46
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Journeyperson locksmiths wage rates vary but generally range from $25 to $40 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices earn 60% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 70% in the second, 80% in the third.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Other trades and related occupations, n.e.c.

2016 NOC: 7384
Average Wage
$27.12
Per Hour
Average Salary
$50,056.00
Per Year
Average Hours
36.1
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.8
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 7384 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $17.00 $30.00 $21.69 $19.00
Overall $22.00 $32.00 $27.12 $27.34
Top $26.00 $40.00 $32.44 $32.00

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Retail Trade
Business, Building and Other Support Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
40%
40%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
50%
50%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
3%
3%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca

Alberta Justice and Solicitor General website: www.alberta.ca/justice-and-solicitor-general.aspx

BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca

Professional Locksmiths Association of Alberta website: www.albertalocksmiths.com

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

Was this page useful?