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Apprentice Locksmith Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Apprentice Locksmith information

See Michigan salary details

$11

$22

$31

How much do apprentice locksmith jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice locksmith in Michigan is $22.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $26.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a locksmith apprentice do?

As a locksmith apprentice, your responsibilities are to assist a more qualified locksmith in their daily tasks while you learn the industry. Your duties are to install locks, cut or replace keys, and repair doors and locks for clients. Locksmith apprentices use a wide variety of tools on the job, such as plug spinners, key decoders, locksmith tweezers, pinning blocks, and turning tools. In an apprentice role, you may work full-time with a single locksmith, or you may be part of a more formal program, which could include classroom instruction.

What does an apprentice locksmith do?

A typical day for an Apprentice Locksmith involves assisting experienced locksmiths with tasks such as installing, repairing, and maintaining various types of locks and security hardware, as well as responding to lockout situations. You might work at customer locations, residential homes, businesses, or in a workshop, gaining hands-on experience and learning industry best practices. Teamwork is common, as apprentices often shadow senior locksmiths and collaborate to solve unique lock and security issues. The role offers a dynamic mix of on-the-job training and diverse problem-solving challenges, making each day different and engaging.

What is an apprentice locksmith?

An Apprentice Locksmith is a trainee who learns the skills and techniques needed to install, repair, and maintain locks and security systems. They work under the supervision of an experienced locksmith, gaining hands-on experience in key cutting, lock picking, and troubleshooting security devices. Apprentices may also assist with rekeying locks, installing electronic access systems, and providing emergency lockout services. This role is a stepping stone to becoming a certified locksmith through on-the-job training and, in some cases, formal education or certifications.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an apprentice locksmith?

To thrive as an Apprentice Locksmith, you need basic mechanical aptitude, problem-solving abilities, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with locksmithing tools such as lock picks, key cutters, and rekeying kits, as well as a willingness to pursue certifications like Registered Locksmith (RL) or state licensure, is important. Attention to detail, reliability, customer service orientation, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this field. These abilities are critical for accurately installing, repairing, and troubleshooting locks while building trust and ensuring customer satisfaction.

More about Apprentice Locksmith jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Locksmith jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Locksmith jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Locksmith jobs in Michigan? For Apprentice Locksmith jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Locksmith jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Locksmith jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Apprentice Locksmith jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Apprentice Locksmith job openings:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Locksmith job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,233 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

$24.35/hr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Ferris State University rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

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Job description

Carpenter/Locksmith

Apply now Job no: 497967
Work type: Staff
Location: Big Rapids, MI 49307
Categories: Staff

Position Title: Carpenter/Locksmith   Location: Big Rapids (Main Campus)   Department:

55500 - Carpentry

  Advertised Salary: $24.35 per hour   Benefits:

Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.

AFSCME Benefits

  FLSA: Non-Exempt   Temporary/Continuing:  Continuing   Part-Time/Full-Time: Full-Time   Union Group: Custodial, Maintenance, Dining, Skilled Trade (AFSCME Local 1609)   Term of Position: 12 Month   At Will/Just Cause: Just Cause   Summary of Position: Perform skilled trades work in locksmithing and carpentry on University owned buildings and furnishings. The normal working hours are typically 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. However, may be required to work other times, including evenings and/or weekends including responding to emergency calls. If required by job duties, employee must be able to fulfill the University's requirements concerning issuance and use of University keys. Personnel who possess the special qualifications and training necessary for this position may apply.
Position Type: Staff   Required Education: High school diploma or GED equivalency.
Required Work Experience: Completion of a carpenter apprenticeship program, or at least six years of a combination of residential and/or commercial construction experience to include new framing, renovation, repairs, replacements, and furniture installation.   Required Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver's license.
Will be required to obtain locksmith certification and training within one year from date of hire.
Physical Demands:
  • Bending
  • Carrying
  • Electrical Hazards
  • Inclement Weather
  • Moving
  • Reaching
  • Twisting
  • Balancing
  • Climbing
  • Driving
  • Heights
  • Lifting
  • Pulling/Pushing
  • Repetitive movement
  • Standing
  Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: Commercial locksmith experience.   Essential Duties/Responsibilities: Layout, construct, repair, recover, and/or replace different types of cabinets, wood floors, doors, windows, baseboards, walls, ceilings and furniture made of a variety of materials.
Layout, construct, repair, and/or replace all types of tile (ceiling, acoustical, ceramic, floor, quarry, etc.) and masonry surfaces such as brick, block, and concrete.
Assemble furnishings such as desks, shelves, chairs, movable walls, etc.
Hang pictures, whiteboards, glassboards, etc.
Repair and maintenance of wall and corner protection (i.e., wainscot, wood chair rails, vinyl chair/guard, etc.).
Replace/repair single ply window glass and insulated windows.
Operates a university or personal vehicle safely while carrying out job responsibilities. Will authorize, pursuant to university policies and procedures, a driving record check, and will meet the driving authorization requirements through the course of employment in a position where you are authorized to drive a vehicle as part of our duties.
Estimate material requirements for assigned work and submit requisitions.
Hang, tape, and finish drywall including prepping surfaces as required for prime and paint.
Keep and maintain accurate records using a computer/iPad.
Maintain assigned tools, keep equipment and assigned spaces in a neat, organized and clean non-hazardous environment.
Stock and maintain inventory level of required carpentry and locksmith materials and tools.
Repair and/or replace metal furnishings such as locksets, doors, closures, panic devices, thresholds, hinges, and furnishings.
Repair plaster.
Install and repair locks, change and combinate cores, and cut keys.
Plan and install new cores for buildings (master, submaster, and groupings).
Log in cores, codes and key assignments on computer. Track grand master keys.
Repair flashing on shingle roof systems including down spouts and gutters.
Stock, maintain, and operate a service vehicle in a neat, organized, safe, and clean non-hazardous environment.
Maintain safety and security of equipment, vehicles, keys, tools, materials, and inventories.
Maintain safety, health and quality standards in all duties and responsibilities.
Report to immediate supervisor.
Carries out responsibilities in accordance with university policies and applicable laws.
Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically.
Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.   Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: Assist other service workers as needed.
Train and direct the work of other employees in the performance of the characteristic duties.   Skills and Abilities: Be familiar with and understand basic fire codes.
Communicate effectively with students, staff, faculty, and visitors.
Direct and train others in the performance of the characteristic duties.
Keep and maintain accurate records.
Operate a personal computer/iPad, inputting and retrieving data.
Perform skilled work in all locksmith and carpentry-related duties.
Pick locks, change combinations, and prevent lockouts.
Read, understand, interpret, and follow plans, specifications, directions, safety labels, equipment operations manuals, etc.
Understand and know math and logic used to combine cores and perform mathematical computations with a high degree of accuracy.
Understand commercial-grade hardware.
Understand methods used to develop keying systems and key control.
Understand the application of, and operate all locksmith and carpentry-related tools and equipment, as well as materials.
Understand, use good judgment, and follow procedures established through safety training and the facilities management safety manual.
Work harmoniously with and direct others in situations of variable temperatures, occasional noise, stressful workloads, and in inclement weather environments.
Work independently.
Work with the least amount of inconvenience to all people involved.
Erect and work from scaffolding, ladders, boom trucks, and related devices.
Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.   Required Documents:
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  Optional Documents:     Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicants must ensure that their application materials reflect that minimum qualifications are present in order to be considered for the position.   Initial Application Review Date:
August 10, 2026   Open Until Position is Filled?: Yes   Posting Close Date:
    EEO Statement: Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence.  Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.     Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD.        

Advertised: 24 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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