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

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Virginia employs 430 locksmiths, with a statewide median of $53,590 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Virginia licensing picture, and where to train.

What Locksmiths Earn in Virginia (May 2025)

Virginia median pay: $53,590 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $34,870
Experienced (75th percentile): $65,690
Top earners (90th percentile): $76,200
Employed in Virginia: 430
U.S. median (for comparison): $49,910 (May 2024)

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

Washington DC metro: $60,720 (300 employed)
Virginia Beach–Norfolk: $52,990 (90 employed)
Richmond: $51,260 (90 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Virginia

Prices in Virginia run about 1% above the national average (cost-of-living index 101.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $53,590 median is worth closer to $53,007 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Virginia (2024–2034)

Virginia is projected to shrink locksmiths employment -4.3%, faster than the -8.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 50 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Virginia License and Certification Requirements

Virginia Locksmith License — regulated by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).

Virginia requires locksmiths to be licensed through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Requirements include being 18+, passing a background check (criminal history review), completing a DCJS-approved locksmith training program, and passing the Virginia locksmith examination.
Apply to DCJS after meeting training and background requirements; fees apply. Virginia Locksmith License must be displayed while working.
License renews every 2 years with CE requirements. ALOA certifications complement the Virginia license.

Official requirements: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) →

Training in Virginia

Virginia's DC metro area — one of the most security-conscious markets in the country due to the federal government presence — creates strong demand for licensed locksmiths with access control expertise. Government facility contractors must have thorough background clearance, which the DCJS process supports. Hampton Roads military bases also drive commercial locksmith demand.

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 Virginia?

The median wage for locksmiths in Virginia is $53,590 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $34,870, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $76,200. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Virginia Locksmith License, overseen by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Virginia requires locksmiths to be licensed through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Requirements include being 18+, passing a background check (criminal history review), completing a DCJS-approved locksmith training program, and passing the Virginia locksmith examination.

Is being a Locksmith a good career in Virginia?

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

Which Virginia metros pay locksmiths the most?

Among Virginia metro areas, Washington DC metro leads at $60,720, followed by Virginia Beach–Norfolk ($52,990), Richmond ($51,260). 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 Virginia?

Virginia projects locksmiths employment to change -4.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 50 openings a year — a declining field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Virginia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-9094. Licensing summary compiled from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) (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 Virginia wages · Virginia 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.