Locksmith in Nevada: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Repair and maintenance

Nevada employs 170 locksmiths, with a statewide median of $47,450 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Nevada licensing picture, and where to train.

What Locksmiths Earn in Nevada (May 2025)

Nevada median pay: $47,450 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $37,630
Experienced (75th percentile): $57,890
Top earners (90th percentile): $67,700
Employed in Nevada: 170
U.S. median (for comparison): $49,910 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for locksmiths in major Nevada markets:

Reno: $48,010 (40 employed)
Las Vegas: $47,450 (120 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Nevada

Prices in Nevada run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 100.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $47,450 median holds roughly its face value.

Job Outlook in Nevada (2022–2032)

Nevada is projected to grow locksmiths employment +0.7%, faster than the -8.5% projected nationally.

Nevada License and Certification Requirements

No statewide license; local licensing/work cards may apply — regulated by the Nevada — locksmith work is licensed in some counties (e.g., Clark County).

Nevada has no single statewide locksmith license, but major counties (notably Clark County) require a locksmith license and work card.
Learn through an employer, apprenticeship, or ALOA training.
Check your county's requirements; bonding/insurance helps you win work.

Official requirements: Nevada — locksmith work is licensed in some counties (e.g., Clark County) →

Training in Nevada

Unlike many states, Nevada's metro counties regulate locksmiths locally — confirm Clark or Washoe County rules. Automotive and electronic access control are growth areas.

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who like detail-oriented technical work and want a path to self-employment without years of apprenticeship.

Think twice if: Background check requirements in many states, on-call emergency lockouts, and modest starting wages in shop settings sound difficult.

Why it's resilient: Locksmithing requires physical presence, manual dexterity, local trust, and a licensed skill set for security work that cannot be done remotely.

First Steps

Look for locksmith apprenticeships or vocational training programs, and check your state's licensing requirements before you start.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do locksmiths make in Nevada?

The median wage for locksmiths in Nevada is $47,450 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $37,630, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $67,700. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Locksmith in Nevada?

No statewide license; local licensing/work cards may apply, overseen by the Nevada — locksmith work is licensed in some counties (e.g., Clark County). Nevada has no single statewide locksmith license, but major counties (notably Clark County) require a locksmith license and work card.

Is being a Locksmith a good career in Nevada?

Locksmithing requires physical presence, manual dexterity, local trust, and a licensed skill set for security work that cannot be done remotely.

Which Nevada metros pay locksmiths the most?

Among Nevada metro areas, Reno leads at $48,010, followed by Las Vegas ($47,450). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Is Locksmith a growing career in Nevada?

Nevada projects locksmiths employment to change +0.7% from 2022 to 2032 — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Nevada statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-9094. Licensing summary compiled from the Nevada — locksmith work is licensed in some counties (e.g., Clark County) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Nevada wages · Nevada licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.