Locksmith in New Hampshire: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
New Hampshire employs 40 locksmiths, with a statewide median of $56,510 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Hampshire licensing picture, and where to train.
What Locksmiths Earn in New Hampshire (May 2025)
- New Hampshire median pay
- $56,510 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $31,970
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $60,170
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $72,500
- Employed in New Hampshire
- 40
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $49,910 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for locksmiths in major New Hampshire markets:
- Boston
- $61,500 (230 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New Hampshire
Prices in New Hampshire run about 4% above the national average (cost-of-living index 104.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $56,510 median is worth closer to $54,232 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in New Hampshire (2024–2034)
New Hampshire is projected to shrink locksmiths employment -8.3%, about in line with the -8.5% projected nationally.
New Hampshire License and Certification Requirements
No state license required — regulated by the No New Hampshire state license.
- New Hampshire does not license locksmiths.
- Learn through an employer, apprenticeship, or ALOA training.
- Build skills in lock installation, rekeying, automotive keys, and access control; bonding/insurance helps you win work.
Official requirements: No New Hampshire state license →
Training in New Hampshire
Low barrier to entry; reputation and mobile-service convenience drive income. 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 New Hampshire?
The median wage for locksmiths in New Hampshire is $56,510 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $31,970, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $72,500. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Locksmith in New Hampshire?
No state license required, overseen by the No New Hampshire state license. New Hampshire does not license locksmiths.
Is being a Locksmith a good career in New Hampshire?
Locksmithing requires physical presence, manual dexterity, local trust, and a licensed skill set for security work that cannot be done remotely.
Which New Hampshire metros pay locksmiths the most?
Among New Hampshire metro areas, Boston leads at $61,500. 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 New Hampshire?
New Hampshire projects locksmiths employment to change -8.3% from 2024 to 2034 — a declining field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), New Hampshire statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-9094. Licensing summary compiled from the No New Hampshire state license (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 New Hampshire wages · New Hampshire 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.