How to Become a Locksmith in West Virginia (2026)

Q: How long does locksmith training take in West Virginia?

Most people become a Locksmith in West Virginia through a short locksmith course or on-the-job training, plus a state locksmith license in states that require one.

Q: How much do locksmiths earn in West Virginia?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (May 2025), locksmiths in West Virginia earned a median annual wage of approximately $56,690. Employment concentration in West Virginia is roughly 0.77 of the national average, meaning fewer workers per capita than the U.S. as a whole.

Q: What is the job outlook for locksmiths in West Virginia?

West Virginia currently employs approximately 50 workers, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects -8.3% national employment change for this occupation from 2024 to 2034.

Updated August 27, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

West Virginia locksmiths and safe repairers earn a median annual wage of $56,690 ($27.25/hr) according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (May 2025), with about 50 workers employed statewide. The state median is approximately 10.5% above the national median of $51,320 for the same occupation.

Key Takeaways

Median annual pay: $56,690 ($27.25/hr)
25th percentile: $46,100 per year
75th percentile: $87,080 per year
Top 10% earn: more than $98,160 per year
Entry-level (bottom 10%): under $31,970 per year
Workers employed in West Virginia: 50
Versus national median: 10.5% above the U.S. median of $51,320
Job concentration: Location quotient 0.77 - this occupation is less concentrated in West Virginia than the national average

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Last reviewed August 27, 2026.

West Virginia employs about 50 locksmiths earning a median $56,690 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.

West Virginia employs approximately 50 locksmiths according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $56,690 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 West 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 (West Virginia): $56,690 per year ¹

Quick Answers About How to Become a Locksmith in West Virginia

How to become a Locksmith in West 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 West Virginia? Licensing varies. Confirm with the program and employer. See the licensing section below.

What do locksmiths earn in West Virginia? The median annual wage for locksmiths in West Virginia is $56,690 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $31,970 and experienced professionals can earn $98,160 or more ¹.

How to Become a Locksmith in West 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 West 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 West Virginia

Locksmiths and Safe Repairers Wages by Metro Area in West Virginia

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), locksmiths and safe repairers wages in West 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

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 West Virginia? West Virginia currently employs approximately 50 locksmiths ¹. Nationally, locksmith employment is projected to grow -8.3% from 2024 to 2034 ².

Can I work as a locksmith in West Virginia with an out-of-state license? Confirm reciprocity rules with the program and employer.

What training programs are available in West Virginia? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in West Virginia.

How much do locksmiths earn in West Virginia compared to the national average? The median annual wage for locksmiths in West Virginia is $56,690, which is $6,200 above the national median of $50,490 according to BLS data ¹.

In West Virginia

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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)