How to Become a Locksmith in West Virginia

Many locksmith companies in West Virginia are family-owned businesses or self-employed individuals.

If you plan to work in the field, you may want to consider starting your own business as the market is competitive and rewarding at the same time.

Locksmiths are required to have three skills: dexterity, mechanical skills, and physical strength.

There are some key tools and equipment you will need to invest in and steps you need to follow to start your business.

A training program from a reputable school is a good start, although it is not a requirement.

Steps to Become a Locksmith in West Virginia

Although Locksmith training is not required in West Virginia, having a certificate to back your knowledge of the trade will greatly raise your chances of getting employed as soon as you graduate.

Step 1: Find and enroll in an accredited Locksmith program.

It can be completed either online or traditionally.

You will receive your certificate once you have obtained the proper training and theoretical knowledge of the trade.

You could opt to start your career by applying for an apprenticeship.

Alternatively, you could start with a training program, and then move on to an apprenticeship, before finally securing a full-time job.

Step 2: Apply for work with a local locksmith company in West Virginia to gain more hands-on work experience or start up your own business if you are ready.

Step 3: Start your own locksmithing business and join a trade association where you will be updated about the regular industry knowledge or changes.

Step 4: Advertise your business.

Now that you have started your own business, you must start advertising it online and locally.

This will help your business expand and reach your target audience.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith in West Virginia

In West Virginia, there are no licensing requirements to become a Locksmith.

However, if you want to work with a state agency, you are required to obtain a special permit or license which you can apply for using the online WV One Stop Business Portal.

Locksmith Programs in West Virginia

1. Foley Belsaw Locksmithing

Foley Belsaw Locksmithing has a variety of online locksmith courses to choose from.

The course consists of practical and theoretical lessons about cutting, duplicating, and identifying keys to ward lock construction.

It also includes all of the tools, textbooks, manuals, and equipment that will be needed for completion.

Students will receive a certificate in Locksmithing upon completing the program.

The total cost of the program is only $100 with no additional costs.

2. Penn Foster College

Penn Foster College offers an online accredited locksmithing and home technician program.

The program takes up to five months to complete and it consists of practical and theoretical lessons that students will need to complete and pass in order to be successful in Locksmithing.

Students cover a range of topics including how to make keys, the different types of keys and locking devices, how to service different locking devices, and home security locking systems.

Upon completion of the program, students will receive their certificate in Locksmithing and can confidently enter the trade.

Penn Foster offers students two payment options: $899 in full or $1,089 paid over monthly installments of $59 per month.

3. School of Lock and Electronic Security

This school offers various online and in-person locksmith programs that range in duration.

Students gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities by tending to problems based on real-world examples.

There are four in-person programs that range in duration and price from $150 to $295.

In addition, the school offers six online programs, including basic locksmith training, electronic security, and master keying to basic locksmith technician programs.

Upon graduation, students receive a certificate of completion.

All online programs cost $75.

Students are taught by trained locksmiths and master locksmiths who have decades of experience behind them.

When students complete these courses, they are equipped and ready for the working world with the right skills and knowledge to be successful as locksmiths.

Salary

The average annual salary for a certified Locksmith in West Virginia is $49,705 on the high and $39,175 on the low.

This is approximately $24 an hour, $956 a week, or $4,142 a month on the high end for an entry-level position.

Some factors may influence the actual salary amount, which includes the type of employer, the amount of experience the locksmith has, and the qualifications and training that the locksmith has received.

Annual Salary Range:* Salary information last updated 2025