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Apprentice Locksmith Jobs in Buffalo, NY (NOW HIRING)

May lead helpers or apprentices as required. 14. Perform other related duties as required. 15 ... a locksmith helper/trainee and possess appropriate legal requirements, such as license ...

Apprentice Locksmith information

See Buffalo, NY salary details

$12

$25

$34

How much do apprentice locksmith jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice locksmith in Buffalo, NY is $25.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.48 and $29.57 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 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 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 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.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Locksmith jobs in Buffalo, NY?

The most popular types of Locksmith jobs in Buffalo, NY are:

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For Apprentice Locksmith jobs in Buffalo, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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What cities near Buffalo, NY are hiring for Apprentice Locksmith jobs?

Cities near Buffalo, NY with the most Apprentice Locksmith job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Locksmith job openings in Buffalo, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $52,494 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

The Locksmith shall be responsible for the repair, rebuilding, replacement and installation of all locks and their mechanical parts throughout the interior and exterior of the casino and facilities. This position performs a variety of journey level duties in skilled locking systems repair and installation work. Other responsibilities are the making and issuing of keys and maintaining records of key/lock assignments. A keen sense of right and wrong are essential, as locksmiths are the "guardians of security." All duties are to be performed within the guidelines of the Seneca Gaming Corporation's policies and procedures, Internal Control Standards and objectives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Make keys required for the interior and exterior of buildings, keys associated with equipment, cabinets/furniture and other key related items.
2. Repair, install and maintain electronic Hotel Room lock systems; including magnetic and electric strikes, FOB and DXS access control systems.
3. Maintain records of key assignments and locks for buildings.
4. Repair malfunctioning locks; re-key locks to improve building security. Repair locks by replacing tumblers, springs and other parts.
5. Setup and maintain a master key system.
6. Specify key blanks, lock parts, locksets, latches and other materials required to maintain a working inventory.
7. Inspect key and locking systems for buildings; change combinations of safes and vaults; perform emergency keying and opening services on locks and safes.
8. Specify hardware of proposed locking device installation or revisions; make recommendations for hardware types.
9. Straighten, repair, install and otherwise service hinges and panic hardware and unlocking devices; maintain and repair fire doors, door closures, door jams. Knowledge of mounting and servicing.
10. Use and maintain hand and power tools including lock picks, drills, wood chisels, metal grinders, etc.; operate key duplicating machines, multi-meter, drill press, grinders, and other power and hand tools required for accomplishing work.
11. Operate motor vehicle.
12. May perform work in other trades.
13. May lead helpers or apprentices as required.
14. Perform other related duties as required.
15. Maintain a current understanding of all policy and guidelines regarding information security including the Seneca Gaming Corporation Acceptable Use Policy. Understand and comply with all information security policies and procedures at all times.
16. Provide exceptional customer service to all patrons and communicate in a pleasant, friendly and professional manner at all times. Maintain a professional work environment with supervisors, managers and staff.
17. Meet the attendance guidelines of the job and adhere to regulatory, departmental and company policies.
18. Must complete all required SGC Training programs within nine (9) months from commencement of employment.
19. Attend all necessary meetings.
20. Duties, responsibilities, requirements and expectations pertaining to this job are subject to change as needed. Hours are determined by a 24-hour schedule.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
Education/Experience:
1. Must be 18 years of age or older upon employment.
2. High school diploma or its equivalency required.
3. Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years full-time work experience as a locksmith helper/trainee and possess appropriate legal requirements, such as license/certification/registration.
4. Knowledge of locksmith techniques and equipment, ability to repair, install and construct locks and locking devices, and ability to make keys. A strong background in commercial hardware. Knowledgeable in woodwork, metal work, and technical drawing and workshop practices is desirable.
5. Knowledge of electronic Hotel Room lock systems; including magnetic and electric strikes, FOB and DXS access control systems.
6. Master keying and safe work knowledge required.
7. Locksmith bonding desirable but, not required.
8. Ability to understand and troubleshoot low voltage AC and DC circuits.
9. Previous customer service experience preferred.
10. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and be able to substantiate a safe driving record within the parameters acceptable to our liability insurance carrier.
Language Skills and Reasoning Ability:
1. Must make effective decisions by analyzing information and considering priorities and seizing opportunities to initiate and take ownership of project and improvements are key skills.
2. Must supply management, basic safety, equipment maintenance, thoroughness, independence and excellent communication skills.
3. Ability to write routine correspondence and to speak effectively to the public, employees and customers.
4. Must have the ability to deal effectively and interact well with the customers and employees.
5. Must have the ability to resolve problems/conflicts in a diplomatic and tactful manner.
6. Must be in good physical condition, have good manual dexterity and good color sense.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud. When on the casino floor, the noise levels increase to loud. Must be able to work in an environment where smoking is permitted.
1. Must be able to stand, walk, and move through all areas of the casino. Including interior and exterior environments, tight spaces and areas of considerable height (90 feet ground level).
2. Must be able to lift up to fifty (50) pounds.
3. Maintain physical stamina and proper mental attitude to work under pressure in a fast- paced, casino environment and effectively deal with customers, management, employees and members of the business community in all situations.
4. Good eye-hand co-ordination, excellent eyesight, manual dexterity.
Salary Starting Rate:
$27.20
Compensation is negotiable based on experience and education.
Each position has varying minimum qualifications. In the absence of fully qualified candidates, some requirements may be waived.