1 Locksmith job in Columbus, OH


10 of the Best Types of Locksmith Jobs in 2026

Discover some great types of Locksmith jobs that are hiring now.

While formal education is not required to become a locksmith, most begin their careers with a training program. There are many courses offered at vocational schools and online that provide the basics of locksmithing, including key identification, key making, safe and vault locks, and electronic access locks. Obtaining an apprenticeship or training with a professional locksmith provides more hands-on experience in the trade. Many states require locksmiths to be licensed and may require completion of specific classes before you become eligible for licensing. Research the qualifications in the state where you wish to work.

If you are interested in a Locksmithjob, here are some kinds of positions to explore for this type of work with open positions on ZipRecruiter.

High Paying Locksmith Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Locksmith positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.
  • Apprentice Locksmith

    Salary range: $44,000 - $63,500

    Apprentice Locksmith is a common job search query. Most salaries for Apprentice Locksmith jobs pay between $44,000 (25th percentile) and $63,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Apprentice Locksmith job searches, with results showing jobs hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

  • Entry Level Locksmith

    Salary range: $44,000 - $63,500

    Entry-level jobs are positions that do not require any previous experience in the role. Most entry-level jobs are aimed at high school or college graduates as a starting point for a future career goal. A college student may have majored in their ideal career field, but will still need to start in an entry-level position to train in a real-world environment. Some students move from internships into entry-level jobs, but most entry-level jobs do not expect a candidate to have any prior employment or on-site training.

  • Locksmith Manager

    Salary range: $44,000 - $63,500

    Managers supervise a team of people; they establish goals, assign tasks, and measure progress. The specific responsibilities of someone in a management position will vary based on the company and industry they work in, but their primary responsibilities remain largely the same. Managers monitor the accomplishments of their staff, focusing on the overall goals of the department. They work with Human Resources to determine and address staffing needs, coordinate and delegate responsibilities, check employee performance, and provide additional training and direction when necessary.

  • On Call Locksmith

    Salary range: $44,000 - $63,500

    When most people think of on-call jobs, medical professionals and first responders typically come to mind. For first responders, like firefighters and EMTs, on-call usually means you are sleeping at the station, ready to wake up and respond to a call quickly. Medical workers, on the other hand, may work a more traditional on-call schedule. While some nurses and doctors may sleep at the hospital, especially during their residency, you may also have an on-call shift where you can leave and go home, potentially never actually coming back. If you want a career as a nurse or doctor but do not like this unpredictability, rest assured that the chance of having on-call shifts decreases as you gain seniority and advanced qualifications. Repair workers like electricians may also work on-call. You may occasionally find on-call jobs in retail or customer service sectors, but this is not as common.

  • Trainee Locksmith

    Salary range: $44,000 - $63,500

    The requirements to get a trainee job vary by industry. In some, such as architecture or accounting, you must graduate from an accredited college program before you can begin work. Other industries, such as retail, manufacturing, or telemarketing, may require only a high school diploma or a GED certificate to begin a training program. No matter what profession you are interested in, you should have strong verbal and written communication and an interest in continuing the career.

  • Full Time Locksmith

    Salary range: $44,000 - $63,500

    Full-time employment hours are generally determined by the employer. There is no single universal definition; however, various laws and policies govern different types of eligibility and statuses. For example, the Fair Labor Standards Act does not define full-time employment but does require overtime pay after 40 hours of work in a workweek for non-exempt employees. The Affordable Care Act, in determining Applicable Large Employers, defines full-time employees as those working an average of at least 30 hours per week, or 130 hours a month. The H-1B Visa Program defines full-time as 40 hours per week, normally, and in no event would less than 35 hours per week be considered to be full-time employment. In practice, full-time employment is typically between 32 and 40 hours per week.

  • Independent Contractor Locksmith

    Salary range: $44,000 - $63,500

    You find Independent Contractors in many different industries, so the path to becoming one varies significantly. In general, you must have several years of experience in the field and have a track record of success in your industry. You also must pursue the kind of work that can be done on a consultant or contract basis. You may possess particular skills or expertise that a company needs temporarily, such as an IT Consultant, or provide a service that is required intermittently, like a Freelance Writer. Many Independent Contractors transition to becoming self-employed to have a more flexible schedule and the ability to choose their clients.

  • Per Diem Locksmith

    Salary range: $44,000 - $63,500

    Per diem jobs are short-term positions which are paid by the day. The most common per diem job opportunities are in the medical field, including positions in nursing, hospice, pediatrics, and midwifery. Phlebotomists, operating (OR) assistants, and pharmacists may also work on a per diem basis. Per diem employees are often contracted to work as admissions coordinators, recreation coordinators, and assistants.

  • Freelance Locksmith

    Salary range: $44,000 - $63,500

    Freelancers are self-employed. As a freelancer, you provide work to clients and invoice them for it. The type of clients you have depends on what kind of services you offer. Your clients can be individuals or companies. A full-time freelancer often has assignments from multiple clients at once. Some common services that people provide as freelancers are: writing, editing, graphic design, web design, marketing, programming, accounting, and bookkeeping. Freelancing is ideal for those who prefer to be their own boss and are willing to market themselves to meet their income goals.

  • Temporary Locksmith

    Salary range: $44,000 - $63,500

    A Temporary job is an employment arrangement in which both parties, the employee and employer, agree in advance that the position will be filled for a set period. Temporary jobs often are based on employers’ seasonal or specific project needs. Occasionally, Temporary employees will be offered ongoing, full-time positions if their performance is excellent and a position is available. However, you should not assume this will be the case.