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Apprentice Automotive Key Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dent Wizard

Automotive Key Technician

Pittsburgh, PA

$21/hr

... in automotive reconditioning services and vehicle protection products - and our success is the ... You'd be a great fit as a Key Technician with Dent Wizard in Pittsburgh, PA. Working an assigned ...

Dent Wizard

Automotive Key Technician

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$21/hr

... in automotive reconditioning services and vehicle protection products - and our success is the ... You'd be a great fit as a Key Technician with Dent Wizard in Pittsburgh, PA. Working an assigned ...

Car Keys Express

Automotive Key Technician

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Automotive Key Technician - Waterloo, IA DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A CAR ENTHUSIAST? How does the idea of driving around to dealerships, auto auctions, etc. and making keys for the sweetest new rides ...

Car Keys Express

Automotive Key Technician

Savannah, GA · On-site

$81K/yr

Automotive Key Technician - Savannah, GA DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A CAR ENTHUSIAST? How does the idea of driving around to dealerships, auto auctions, etc. and making keys for the sweetest new rides ...

Dent Wizard

Automotive Key Technician

Seattle, WA

$21/hr

... in automotive reconditioning services and vehicle protection products - and our success is the ... You'd be a great fit as a Key Technician with Dent Wizard in Seattle, WA. Working an assigned route ...

Dent Wizard

Automotive Key Technician

Seattle, WA

$21/hr

... in automotive reconditioning services and vehicle protection products - and our success is the ... You'd be a great fit as a Key Technician with Dent Wizard in Seattle, WA. Working an assigned route ...

Dent Wizard

Automotive Key Technician

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$21/hr

... in automotive reconditioning services and vehicle protection products - and our success is the ... You'd be a great fit as a Key Technician with Dent Wizard in Pittsburgh, PA. Working an assigned ...

Car Keys Express

Automotive Key Technician

Norman, OK · On-site

$81K/yr

Automotive Key Technician - Norman, OK DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A CAR ENTHUSIAST? How does the idea of driving around to dealerships, auto auctions, etc. and making keys for the sweetest new rides ...

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Apprentice Automotive Key Technician information

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How much do apprentice automotive key technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice automotive key technician in the United States is $19.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying apprenticeship trade?

In the automotive industry, apprenticeships for specialized roles such as automotive master technicians or diesel technicians tend to offer higher wages. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications, and experience, leading to higher earning potential compared to other trades within apprenticeships.

What is the difference between Apprentice Automotive Key Technician vs Automotive Locksmith?

AspectApprentice Automotive Key TechnicianAutomotive Locksmith
CertificationsBasic automotive technology certifications, on-the-job trainingLocksmith licenses, specialized key cutting and lock picking certifications
Work EnvironmentAuto repair shops, dealerships, service centersLocksmith shops, mobile service units, dealerships
Industry UsageAssisting in key programming, cutting, and ignition repairsCreating, duplicating, and repairing keys and locks

While both roles involve working with vehicle keys, an Apprentice Automotive Key Technician primarily focuses on learning automotive key systems and assisting in key programming and repairs. An Automotive Locksmith specializes in lock and key solutions, including key duplication and lock repairs. The apprentice role is often a stepping stone within automotive service environments, whereas locksmiths may work across various lock systems beyond vehicles.

What is an apprentice automotive technician?

An apprentice automotive technician is someone in training to become a skilled auto mechanic, typically working under supervision to learn vehicle repair, diagnostics, and maintenance. The apprenticeship often includes hands-on experience, technical instruction, and may lead to certification or licensing in automotive repair.

What is the average salary after a locksmith apprenticeship?

The average salary for an apprentice automotive key technician after completing an apprenticeship typically ranges from $30,000 to $45,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and employer. With additional skills and certifications, technicians can earn higher wages as they gain expertise in key programming, lock repair, and automotive security systems.

Is 27 too old to become a mechanic?

The Apprentice Automotive Key Technician role does not have an age limit, and many individuals start training at various ages. Success depends on skills, dedication, and completing necessary certifications, regardless of age. Age should not be a barrier to entering the automotive repair field.
What cities are hiring for Apprentice Automotive Key Technician jobs? Cities with the most Apprentice Automotive Key Technician job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Key Technician jobs? The most popular types of Automotive Key Technician jobs are:
What states have the most Apprentice Automotive Key Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Apprentice Automotive Key Technician jobs include:
Apprentice Automotive Key Technician jobs near you
Automotive Key Technician

Automotive Key Technician

Car Keys Express

San Diego, CA

$81K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Car Keys Express rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Automotive Key Technician - San Diego, CA

DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A CAR ENTHUSIAST?

How does the idea of driving around to dealerships, auto auctions, etc. and making keys for the sweetest new rides out there sound to you? Come work for Car Keys Express! Car Keys Express, otherwise known as CKE, offers our Technicians the ability to make a competitive wage, all while working a Monday through Friday business hours schedule. We also offer career growth opportunities, a company provided vehicle with no out of pocket expenses (other than your pants and shoes!), a laptop, phone, and benefits that include medical, dental, company paid life insurance, 401K and PTO!

So who are we?

CKE is the world’s first online retailer of automotive keys and remotes as well as the largest single-vendor solution for replacement keys and automotive reconditioning. We invented the world’s first and only Universal Car Remote.

What you will do as a Mobile Technician:

The Mobile Technician will support, grow, and maintain our business relationships with dealerships and fleet operations in your metro area. This person will also be responsible for developing and maintaining a weekly sales route in their territory to maximize profits. You will be responsible for managing inventory, maintaining a company vehicle, audits, and accurate logs of sales stops. Candidates with 2-5 years of automotive, cable installation, route sales or related fields make great fits!

Do you meet our qualifications?

  • Go getter attitude!
  • Sales and customer service experience (commission based sales experience preferred)
  • Ability to work remotely without constant supervision
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • 21 years of age with a valid Driver’s license
  • Familiar with computers, email, and navigating the internet
  • Professional demeanor and appearance
  • Safe place to park company van
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, bend, stoop, squat and stand
  • Ability to enter and exit elevated van doors 30-40 times daily
  • Lift car hoods, disconnect batteries, enter/ exit other vehicles
  • Work in all elements of weather is required

Who You Are (our profile for success):

  • Adaptable. You thrive when no two days look the same — different customers, tasks, and roads keep you energized, not overwhelmed.
  • Automotive-minded. You're comfortable in a dealership environment and at ease around cars, car culture, and the people who live it.
  • Hands-on and mechanically capable. You approach technical challenges the way a DIYer would — curious, confident, and willing to figure it out.
  • A natural connector. You don't hesitate to introduce yourself and talk through how your services solve a customer's problem.
  • Pioneering. You take pride in developing and owning your route, nurturing your accounts, and watching the relationships you've built turn into lasting business.
  • Self-directed. You don't need someone looking over your shoulder to stay productive and accountable.

Who You Are Not (known failure patterns):

  • Uncomfortable with strangers. This role requires daily cold and warm outreach to dealership staff, UCMs, and sales managers — reserved or avoidant personalities will find it difficult to succeed.
  • Technology-averse. Key programming relies heavily on specialized software. Slow adopters or those limited to basic phone and computer use will struggle to keep up.
  • A 9-to-5 mindset. Long days are part of the job. If you need a predictable, desk-bound schedule, this isn't it.
  • Sensitive to the elements. You'll work outdoors in all seasons — hot summers and cold winters included. Physical endurance in varying conditions is a must.
  • Sales-averse. Closing deals is a core function. If prospecting, pitching, and following up aren't in your comfort zone, this role will be a poor fit.
  • Opposed to driving. Your office is your van. Extended time behind the wheel across a defined territory is your daily reality.
  • Uncomfortable in a large vehicle. You'll operate a full-size company van as your primary work vehicle — comfort and confidence driving one is non-negotiable.
  • Disconnected from automotive work. Tasks like disconnecting batteries, removing panels, and plugging into vehicles for diagnostics are routine. If that sounds foreign or unappealing, this likely isn't the right fit.

What we offer:

  • Match 401(k)
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • Paid vacations
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid Personal Time Off
  • Laptop, Company Phone, Gas Card, Company Van

Compensation:

  • The compensation for this role is made up of salary, commission and bonus.

    • Year 1 Average - $62,440/ year
    • Average after the first year - $81,320/ year

Growth = Opportunity:

We’re looking for people who are eager to apply and challenge themselves. Ideal candidates are assertive, aggressive self-starters. If you’re someone who really “owns” projects at work, is a passionate advocate, who doesn’t need supervision to get results--then this company is for you! If you’re interested in advancement, ambitious, and show potential, you’ll get more responsibility. You may be asked to “wear more than one hat”. For those who want to gain a lot of great experience and develop their skill set, this is a rare opportunity!

Apply