How to Become a Locksmith in Virginia (2026)
Virginia employs about 430 locksmiths earning a median $53,590 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Locksmith here means completing a short locksmith course or on-the-job training, plus a state locksmith license in states that require one. Confirm credential rules with the program and employer.
Virginia employs approximately 430 locksmiths according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $53,590 1. Nationally, locksmith employment is projected to grow -8.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,700 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Locksmith in Virginia, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: locksmith course or on-the-job training (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a short locksmith course or on-the-job training, plus a state locksmith license in states that require one
- Exam: state locksmith exam where the state licenses the trade
- Median wage (Virginia): $53,590 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Locksmith in Virginia
How to become a Locksmith in Virginia? Complete a short locksmith course or on-the-job training, plus a state locksmith license in states that require one. Confirm credential rules with the program and employer.
How long does it take? Most people finish a short locksmith course or on-the-job training, plus a state locksmith license in states that require one. Confirm current hour totals with the program and employer.
Do I need a license in Virginia? Licensing varies. Confirm with the program and employer. See the licensing section below.
What do locksmiths earn in Virginia? The median annual wage for locksmiths in Virginia is $53,590 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $34,870 and experienced professionals can earn $76,200 or more 1.
How to Become a Locksmith in Virginia
- Get training. Complete a locksmith course or paid on-the-job training. This is not a multi-year registered apprenticeship in most states.
- Apply for a state license only where one exists. Some states license locksmiths through a state agency. Many states have no statewide locksmith license.
- Optional industry credentials. ALOA credentials can help hiring. They do not replace a state locksmith license where one is required.
- Confirm local rules. Some cities add permits. Confirm licensing with the employer.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Locksmith License Requirements in Virginia
Most states do not license locksmiths. Some states certify this role; most do not. Confirm licensing with the employer.
Typical path
Complete a course or OJT.
Apply to the employer in states that license the trade.
Optional ALOA credentials.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with the employer before you enroll.
Locksmith Wages by Metro Area in Virginia
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers Wages by Metro Area in Virginia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), locksmiths and safe repairers wages in Virginia vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 300 | $60,720 | $65,560 | $46,770 | $88,700 |
| Richmond | 90 | $51,260 | $55,030 | $34,850 | $75,850 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | 90 | $52,990 | $56,230 | $34,530 | $75,520 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for locksmiths in Virginia? Virginia currently employs approximately 430 locksmiths 1. Nationally, locksmith employment is projected to grow -8.3% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a locksmith in Virginia with an out-of-state license? Confirm reciprocity rules with the program and employer.
What training programs are available in Virginia? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Virginia.
How much do locksmiths earn in Virginia compared to the national average? The median annual wage for locksmiths in Virginia is $53,590, which is $3,100 above the national median of $50,490 according to BLS data 1.
Related guides
In Virginia
Related trades & nearby areas
- Best Carpenter Schools in Virginia (2026)
- Best Electrician Schools in Virginia
- Best HVAC Schools in Virginia (2026)
- Best Plumber Schools in Virginia
- Best Plumbing Schools in Virginia (2026)
- Best Welder Schools in Virginia
Explore More Trades in Virginia
- Electrician in Virginia
- Plumber in Virginia
- HVAC Technician in Virginia
- Welder in Virginia
- Carpenter in Virginia
- Solar Installation Technician in Virginia
- Auto Mechanic in Virginia
- CNC Machinist in Virginia
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Virginia
- Medical Assistant in Virginia
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |