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Apprentice Locksmith Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Locksmith II

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$56K - $94K/yr

... apprentice-level or vocational locksmith training program; and three years of experience as a ... journeyman locksmith; four years of experience may be substituted for the apprentice-level or ...

Locksmith

Mclean, VA · On-site

$41.55/hr

Completion of a recognized apprenticeship or vocational program for a locksmith . * Four years Grade 1 Carpenter, or equivalent carpenter experience, installing doors, frames, and associated hardware.

Position Summary: The Maintenance Locksmith is responsible for installation, repair, and ... Sicherstellung der Einhaltung von Sicherheitsvorschriften. Ausbildung/Zertifizierungen ...

Completion of a recognized apprenticeship or vocational program for a locksmith . * Four years Grade 1 Carpenter, or equivalent carpenter experience, installing doors, frames, and associated hardware.

Completion of a recognized apprenticeship or vocational program for a locksmith . * Four years Grade 1 Carpenter, or equivalent carpenter experience, installing doors, frames, and associated hardware.

Apprentice Locksmith information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$25

$35

How much do apprentice locksmith jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice locksmith in Virginia is $25.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.96 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Locksmith Apprentice Do?

As a locksmith apprentice, your responsibilities are to assist a more qualified locksmith in their daily tasks while you learn the industry. Your duties are to install locks, cut or replace keys, and repair doors and locks for clients. Locksmith apprentices use a wide variety of tools on the job, such as plug spinners, key decoders, locksmith tweezers, pinning blocks, and turning tools. In an apprentice role, you may work full-time with a single locksmith, or you may be part of a more formal program, which could include classroom instruction.

What does a typical day look like for an Apprentice Locksmith?

A typical day for an Apprentice Locksmith involves assisting experienced locksmiths with tasks such as installing, repairing, and maintaining various types of locks and security hardware, as well as responding to lockout situations. You might work at customer locations, residential homes, businesses, or in a workshop, gaining hands-on experience and learning industry best practices. Teamwork is common, as apprentices often shadow senior locksmiths and collaborate to solve unique lock and security issues. The role offers a dynamic mix of on-the-job training and diverse problem-solving challenges, making each day different and engaging.

What is an Apprentice Locksmith job?

An Apprentice Locksmith is a trainee who learns the skills and techniques needed to install, repair, and maintain locks and security systems. They work under the supervision of an experienced locksmith, gaining hands-on experience in key cutting, lock picking, and troubleshooting security devices. Apprentices may also assist with rekeying locks, installing electronic access systems, and providing emergency lockout services. This role is a stepping stone to becoming a certified locksmith through on-the-job training and, in some cases, formal education or certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Apprentice Locksmith position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Locksmith, you need basic mechanical aptitude, problem-solving abilities, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with locksmithing tools such as lock picks, key cutters, and rekeying kits, as well as a willingness to pursue certifications like Registered Locksmith (RL) or state licensure, is important. Attention to detail, reliability, customer service orientation, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this field. These abilities are critical for accurately installing, repairing, and troubleshooting locks while building trust and ensuring customer satisfaction.

More about Apprentice Locksmith jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Locksmith jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Locksmith jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Locksmith jobs in Virginia? For Apprentice Locksmith jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Locksmith jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Locksmith jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Locksmith job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,727 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
Locksmith II

$56K - $94K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Fairfax County rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

261st of 692 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Announcement This position works within Emergency Response and Access Control Support and ensures secure and dependable access across the courthouse, adult detention center, and all associated sheriff's office facilities by quickly addressing mechanical and electronic lock failures, installing and maintaining detention-grade locking hardware and electronic access control systems, and designing and managing master keying and credentialing programs. This role maintains access records and audits, supports physical security planning, coordinates maintenance and project activities with internal departments and external vendors, participates in after-hours on-call emergency response rotations, and provides training to designated staff on the proper operation of locks and access control systems. Note: The appointee to this position is subject to emergency callback 24 hours a day/seven days a week (24/7) to respond to emergency lock and security system failures outside of normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays when required.

Illustrative Duties (The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.) Recommends appropriate physical security devices (i.e. safes, lockers, electrical and mechanical access controls, locks, etc.) as well as physical security keying plans; Troubleshoots and repairs or oversees repairs to locks and locking systems; Installs or oversees the installation of electronic access systems (i.e

electrical locksets, electrical release/strike, magnetic locks and computer based systems); Coordinates new construction or major renovations with project engineers and provides keying information to contractors as specified by project engineers; Installs and rekeys specialized restricted lock cylinder systems; Originates master keying systems including insertion and expansion; Maintains key record audit as required by contracts; Installs, replaces, cleans and performs preventive maintenance on various types of locks, rekeys locks as well as installing/repairing panic bars; Prepares cost estimates on projects and maintains records of work performed; Maintains inventory of locks and associated materials and reorders same as necessary; Operates assigned service vehicle; Programs installs or repairs card access proximity locks; May serve as a team leader to other tradespersons from various disciplines and trade helpers providing guidance/direction and instruction, serving on selection panels and inspecting/approving the work performed by team members. Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities (The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)Thorough knowledge of the standards, practices and equipment of the locksmith trade; Thorough knowledge of various types of locks and locking systems as well as electronic/electrical security systems; Knowledge of safety regulations and procedures as well as the common hazards associated with the locksmith trade; Knowledge of various safety labeling systems as well as computer systems associated with security and keying record systems; Ability to operate milling machine, metal lathe and welding equipment needed to create custom lock applications or make repairs; Ability to follow written and oral instructions, diagrams, sketches and manufacturer's manuals; Ability to plan and perform work at the journeyman level; Ability to maintain good interpersonal relationships; Ability to train/instruct and provide guidance to tradespersons in various disciplines and Maintenance Trade Helpers; Ability to perform physical aspects of job ie. lifting, stooping, bending and performing tasks in tiring and uncomfortable positions

Employment Standards MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to the following: high school diploma or a GED issued by a state department of education; and completion of an apprentice-level or vocational locksmith training program; and three years of experience as a journeyman locksmith; four years of experience may be substituted for the apprentice-level or vocational locksmith training program. CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED: Valid motor vehicle operator's license. Certification by one of the following nationally recognized locksmith associations: Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) Registered Locksmith (RL) Certified Professional Locksmith (CPL) Certified Master Locksmith (CML) NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, driving record check, polygraph exam, and psychological exam to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience as a locksmith in a correctional facility, adult detention center, courthouse, law enforcement facility, or other high-security government environment. Experience maintaining and repairing detention-grade locking systems, security doors, sally ports, sliding doors, security grilles, and related detention security hardware. Experience maintaining master key systems, restricted keyways, key control programs, and physical security records.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Mobility, flexibility, manual dexterity and coordination, vision and hearing. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations. SELECTION PROCEDURE: Panel interview and may include exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity. Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act

TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY. #LI-JT1


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