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Locksmith Apprenticeship Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Completion of an industry-recognized apprenticeship program in locksmithing AND one year of journey-level experience working as a locksmith. (Relevant education may substitute for up to six months of ...

Locksmith Apprenticeship information

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$12

$24

$33

How much do locksmith apprenticeship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for locksmith apprenticeship in Arizona is $24.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $28.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a locksmith apprenticeship?

A locksmith apprenticeship is a structured training program where individuals learn the skills and knowledge required to become a professional locksmith. Apprentices work under the supervision of experienced locksmiths, gaining hands-on experience in tasks such as key cutting, lock installation, repair, and security system maintenance. The apprenticeship typically includes both practical training and classroom instruction, covering topics like lock mechanisms, security codes, and customer service. Upon completion, apprentices may be eligible for certification or licensing, depending on local regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a locksmith apprentice?

To thrive as a Locksmith Apprentice, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of security systems, typically supported by a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with key cutting machines, lock picking tools, and relevant safety procedures is important, and some states may require registration or licensing. Good problem-solving abilities, customer service skills, and a willingness to learn help apprentices excel in this hands-on field. These skills ensure apprentices can effectively support experienced locksmiths, build client trust, and progress toward independent licensure.

What are some common challenges faced by locksmith apprentices during their training period?

Locksmith apprentices often encounter challenges such as mastering complex lock mechanisms, developing precise manual dexterity, and adapting to rapidly evolving security technologies. The apprenticeship typically involves hands-on problem-solving, which can be demanding when responding to emergency calls or working in unfamiliar environments. Additionally, apprentices must learn to communicate effectively with clients and work efficiently alongside experienced locksmiths, all while adhering to safety and security protocols.

What is the difference between Locksmith Apprenticeship vs Locksmith Technician?

AspectLocksmith ApprenticeshipLocksmith Technician
CredentialsOn-the-job training, sometimes state licensingOften requires licensing or certification, technical training
Work EnvironmentApprentices work under supervision, learning hands-on skillsIndependent work, installing, repairing locks, security systems
Industry UsageEntry-level training program for aspiring locksmithsFull-fledged professional performing locksmith services

The main difference is that a Locksmith Apprenticeship is a training program for beginners learning the trade, while a Locksmith Technician is a fully qualified professional performing locksmith services independently. Apprenticeships provide foundational skills, whereas technicians have completed training and certification to work independently.

What are popular job titles related to Locksmith Apprenticeship jobs in Arizona?

For Locksmith Apprenticeship jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Locksmith Apprenticeship jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Locksmith Apprenticeship jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Locksmith Apprenticeship jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Locksmith Apprenticeship job openings:

Infographic showing various Locksmith Apprenticeship job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,501 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Entry-Level Locksmith - Access Control Track

A-1 Locksmith & Security, Inc.

Tempe, AZ • On-site

$20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job description:

A-1 Locksmith & Security Center is a veteran-owned Arizona company serving commercial customers since 1975. We work across the complete door opening—from mechanical locks, master-key systems and door hardware to electrified hardware, access control, CCTV, alarms and ADA operators. Our standard is simple: When Quality Matters.

We are hiring an early-career field technician who wants to build a real skilled-trade career. You do not need to arrive as an access-control expert. You do need to be dependable, mechanically curious, honest about what you know, careful with security-sensitive materials and willing to document your work clearly. We will teach the right person through hands-on work, structured qualifications and increasing responsibility.

What You Will Do

  • Learn commercial locksmithing, rekeying, key control, locks and door-hardware service in the shop and field.
  • Assist qualified technicians with electric strikes, electrified locks, exit hardware, ADA operators, cabling and access-control installations.
  • Use mobile job software to document conditions found, work completed, final condition and next steps.
  • Keep customer keys, master-key materials, credentials, tools, parts and work areas secure and organized.
  • Communicate clearly with customers, dispatch and the next technician when work must be handed off.
  • Attend scheduled training, accept coaching and progress through A-1’s locksmith and access/security qualification path.
  • Drive to commercial customer sites throughout the Phoenix metro and occasionally elsewhere in Arizona.

You May Be a Strong Fit If You

  • Take responsibility when you make a mistake—even if nobody else noticed it.
  • Can explain what you did, why you did it and what still needs to happen.
  • Enjoy hands-on troubleshooting and learning from experienced technicians.
  • Follow procedures but know when to stop and ask because conditions have changed.
  • Want long-term growth in commercial locksmithing and electronic security, not simply a short-term job.
  • Can meet a predictable Monday–Friday field schedule and communicate promptly when an unexpected issue occurs.

Requirements

  • Valid driver’s license and ability to meet job-related driving requirements.
  • Clear written and verbal communication.
  • Ability to use hand and power tools safely and learn mobile job software.
  • Ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to perform field work involving ladders, kneeling, overhead work and material handling.
  • Willingness to complete A-1’s locksmith apprenticeship and qualification process.
  • Ability to meet job-related customer-site and pre-employment screening requirements.

Schedule and Development

Normal business hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Occasional overtime, travel and after-hours work may occur. On-call participation begins only after qualification and assignment. Starting pay is $17.00 per hour. Pay automatically increases to $20.00 per hour when A-1’s apprenticeship requirements are completed and documented. A formal review occurs near 90 days; apprenticeship completion is based on the approved requirements, not time alone.

How to Apply

Submit your résumé or work history and complete the short A-1 candidate questionnaire. We value specific examples more than polished wording. Finalists will complete structured interviews and a controlled hands-on assessment. A-1 Locksmith & Security Center, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity and considers qualified applicants without unlawful discrimination.

1. Tell us about a work mistake or scheduling error that other people might not have noticed. What did you do after you discovered it?

2. You are given a task before a planned day off. Another employee must continue it while you are gone. What exactly do you complete before leaving?

3. Write a sample field note for this situation: you arrive at a commercial door that will not latch, adjust it successfully and notice the closer is leaking.

4. Describe a time you followed a procedure but new information showed the normal procedure no longer fit. What did you do?

5. Tell us about a technical or hands-on task you did not know how to perform. How did you learn it?

6. A customer asks you for a master key, access credential or security information, but you cannot verify their authority. What do you do?

7. Give an example of how you have maintained dependable attendance or communicated when an unexpected problem affected your schedule.

8. Tell us about difficult feedback you received. What changed in your next attempt?

9. A frustrated customer believes the job should already be finished, but you discover additional door problems. How do you handle the conversation?

10. Why do you want to build a career in commercial locksmithing and access control? What would you expect to learn during your first year?

Benefits:

  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • On-the-job training
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Tools provided
  • Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

  • Do you currently hold a valid driver’s license?
  • Can you meet A-1’s normal Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. onsite schedule, with or without reasonable accommodation?
  • Are you willing to learn commercial locksmithing and door hardware as the foundation for future access-control work?
  • Do you understand and accept the posted compensation: $17.00 per hour during apprenticeship, automatically increasing to $20.00 per hour upon documented completion?
  • Are you willing to use mobile software and complete written job notes and photos for every assigned job?
  • If selected as a finalist, are you willing to complete job-related reference, driving and background screening after receiving the required disclosures?
  • When could you begin work if selected?

Ability to Commute:

  • Tempe, AZ 85288 (Required)

Willingness to travel:

  • 25% (Required)

Work Location: In person