Scheduled rekeying and lock installs
Book non-emergency jobs: rekey locks, fit deadbolts and install smart locks for homeowners and landlords.
- $1k-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
3,961 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.8% in a year
NAICS 561622 “Locksmiths”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A part-time, appointment-only locksmith service focused on rekeying after a move or tenant change, fitting deadbolts and installing keypad or smart locks. No late-night emergency call-outs.
Your first three steps
- Check your state's locksmith licensing rules before anything else. In states that license locksmiths, the license usually covers rekeying and lock installs, not just emergency lockouts
- If your state requires a license, complete the required steps (such as background check, fingerprinting, training or exam) before taking paid work
- Buy a rekeying kit, a few common pin sets and a drill kit, and practice on spare locks
Who pays
New homeowners, landlords, property managers, short-term rental hosts and people upgrading home security.
How it makes money
A flat price per lock or per door, plus parts. Landlords and rental hosts often book several doors at once.
Skills that help
- Careful, tidy hands-on work
- Reliable scheduling
- Explaining options clearly to customers
Watch out for
- Many states, and some cities and counties, require a locksmith license before you do any paid lock work, often with a background check and sometimes training or an apprenticeship. Other states have no locksmith license. Check with your state licensing board, plus your city or county, before taking paid jobs
- Working without a required license can lead to fines, so do not advertise until you have confirmed the rules
- Check whether you need a general business license or registration locally, and consider general liability insurance
- Verify the customer owns or manages the property before changing locks
- Home-based admin may need a home occupation permit or must follow HOA or lease rules, so check them
🔒 Full research report for US
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
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