Locksmith

Locksmiths repair and open locks; make keys; change locks and safe combinations; and install and repair safes.

Fourteen states require locksmiths to obtain licenses. On average, these laws require aspiring locksmiths to pay $167 in fees, demonstrate 54 days of education and experience, and pass about one exam—the 79th most burdensome requirements of the 102 occupations studied here. The occupation is the 77th most widely and onerously licensed.

License requirements vary across states. The most burdensome state, New Jersey, requires locksmiths to prove about 732 days of education and experience (two years of experience as an apprentice and 10 hours of education), pay $217 in fees, pass an exam, be 18 years of age, and have graduated from high school. In contrast, Nebraska, the least burdensome state, requires only payment of a $5 fee.

Burden Rank	State	States Licensed	Fees	Estimated Calendar Days Lost	Education	Experience	Exams	Minimum Grade	Minimum Age
1	New Jersey	14	$216.50	732	10 clock hours	2 years	1	12	18
2	Tennessee	14	$338.00	16	30 clock hours	40 clock hours	1	0	18
3	North Carolina	14	$338.00	0	-	-	1	0	18
4	Louisiana	14	$317.50	0	-	-	1	0	18
5	Illinois	14	$174.00	3	20 clock hours	-	1	0	18
6	Virginia	14	$75.00	3	18 clock hours	-	1	0	18
7	Alabama	14	$189.75	0	-	-	1	0	0
8	Oregon	14	$180.00	0	-	-	1	0	0
9	Oklahoma	14	$74.00	0	-	-	1	0	0
10	Texas	14	$63.00	0	-	-	0	0	18
11	Connecticut	14	$243.00	0	-	-	0	0	0
12	California	14	$69.00	0	-	-	0	0	0
13	Nevada	14	$61.90	0	-	-	0	0	0
14	Nebraska	14	$5.00	0	-	-	0	0	0