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Locksmith Jobs in West Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Carpenter III

Morgantown, WV · On-site

$22.50 - $30.25/hr

Position will perform duties including carpentry, locksmith, painting, mason, demolition, training journeyman personnel and providing oversight on the job. We strongly believe in work-life balance ...

Carpenter III

Morgantown, WV · On-site

$22.50 - $30.25/hr

Position will perform duties including carpentry, locksmith, painting, mason, demolition, training journeyman personnel and providing oversight on the job. We strongly believe in work-life balance ...

Locksmith information

See West Virginia salary details

$10

$20

$27

How much do locksmith jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for locksmith in West Virginia is $20.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $23.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a locksmith?

Locksmiths are skilled professionals who install, repair, and adjust locks on doors, windows, safes, and vehicles. They help people who are locked out of their homes, businesses, or cars, and may also provide services such as key cutting and security system installation. Locksmiths are trained to work with a variety of locking mechanisms and security devices, ensuring the safety and security of property. Many locksmiths also offer emergency services and can provide advice on enhancing security.

What do locksmiths do?

Locksmiths are trained professionals who work with all kinds of locks, including doors, windows, safes, and cars. They install, repair, and adjust locks in automobiles, homes, and businesses. People locked out of their homes, businesses, or vehicles call locksmiths to undo the lock and open their doors. Other job duties include key cutting, replacing door and window locks for new homeowners, and installing and adjusting safes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a locksmith, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Locksmith, you need a solid understanding of locking mechanisms, key cutting, and security systems, often supported by vocational training or an apprenticeship. Familiarity with specialized tools like lock picks, key duplicators, and electronic access control systems is typically required, and some states may require licensing or certification. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and excellent customer service skills help locksmiths stand out. These qualities ensure locksmiths can efficiently resolve security issues while building trust and maintaining client safety.

What are some common challenges locksmiths face when working on-site, and how can they overcome them?

Locksmiths often encounter unique challenges on-site, such as dealing with complex or outdated locking mechanisms, working in adverse weather conditions, or addressing emergency situations under time pressure. To overcome these challenges, locksmiths must stay updated on the latest security technologies, carry a comprehensive toolkit, and develop strong problem-solving and communication skills. Building a network with other professionals and pursuing ongoing training can also help locksmiths adapt to new lock systems and improve their efficiency in the field.

What is the difference between Locksmith vs Security Technician?

AspectLocksmithSecurity Technician
CredentialsOften requires locksmith licensing, certifications like ALOAMay require security system certifications, manufacturer training
Work EnvironmentResidential, commercial, automotive lock servicesInstalling, maintaining security systems, alarms, CCTV
Industry UsageCommonly employed by locksmith shops, hardware storesEmployed by security companies, electronics firms
Search/Comparison IntentPeople seeking lock repair, key duplication, lockoutsPeople interested in security system installation and maintenance

While both locksmiths and security technicians work in security-related fields, locksmiths primarily focus on locks, keys, and physical security, whereas security technicians specialize in electronic security systems. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right professional for your security needs.

How do you become a locksmith?

To become a locksmith, you typically need to complete a training program or apprenticeship to learn lock installation, repair, and key cutting. Many states require licensing or certification, which may involve passing an exam and background check. Gaining experience with locksmith tools and security systems is also important for career development.

How much can locksmiths make?

Locksmiths typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $30,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and specialization. Skilled locksmiths with certifications and advanced tools can earn higher wages, especially in emergency or commercial services.

Is a locksmith a good career?

A locksmith is a skilled tradesperson who installs, repairs, and opens locks, often working in various environments such as residential, commercial, and automotive settings. The profession typically requires technical training, certification, and good problem-solving skills, with job stability and demand driven by security needs. It can offer a steady income and opportunities for self-employment or working for a company.

What are the most commonly searched types of Locksmith jobs in West Virginia?

The most popular types of Locksmith jobs in West Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Locksmith jobs in West Virginia?

For Locksmith jobs in West Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Locksmith jobs in West Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Locksmith jobs in West Virginia are:

What cities in West Virginia are hiring for Locksmith jobs?

Cities in West Virginia with the most Locksmith job openings:

Infographic showing various Locksmith job openings in West Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,954 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

$22.50 - $30.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


West Virginia University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

459th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
The department of Facilities Management at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Lead Carpenter for the Health Sciences Center.
About the Opportunity
Under the direction of the Manager this position will perform building maintenance and renovations. Position will provide leadership for journeymen carpenters, painters and locksmith personnel. Position will perform duties including carpentry, locksmith, painting, mason, demolition, training journeyman personnel and providing oversight on the job.
We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
  • 37.5-hour work week
  • 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
  • 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
  • 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
  • WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
  • 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
  • Wellness programs

What You'll Do
  • Functions as a team leader, providing guidance to journeymen, trades workers, and any other support personnel as required. Follows procedures and makes work assignments to those individuals assigned to the crew to ensure work is completed in a timely fashion ensuring proper quality and quantity. Inspects completed work assignments of journeymen craft workers, trades workers, and helpers to ensure quality control. Ensures that proper safety procedures are used while performing job duties.
  • Receive work orders through Unifier (CMMS). Interfaces with University Police dispatch, Supervisors, Managers, and customers to finalize project needs and scope. Review and complete work order documentation including material acquisition, time sheets, comments and close out. Assists Supervisor with multi-craft projects related to overall work assignments. Communicates work schedules and goals to employees and customers.
  • Individual will have responsibility to read and review prints on new and existing building projects for repair or construction associated with specific job duties and expertise.
  • Provides continual inspection of assigned area to ensure maintenance is completed on schedule; recommends to the Supervisor major repair needs; assists in updating deferred maintenance.
  • Coordinate with contractors, suppliers, engineers, architects, customers, etc. to ensure timely and cost-effective repairs and projects.
  • May perform various other skilled or unskilled tasks as required to secure facility, make repairs, protect property or enable the University to conduct business. Conducts daily routine inspections of work assignments and projects for the shop and reports/updates the manager.
  • Relocate furniture, lab equipment and other items within the Health Sciences Center and related facilities as as needed for the project. Will remove/attach/replace or assemble pictures, cabinets, modular furnishings, new furniture and/or shelving.
  • Will maintain safe standards and working conditions following all state, local, and federal requirements. Will also be responsible for calling out support personnel during off hours when conditions warrant.
  • Rebuild and/or renovate areas following blueprints and general instructions. Incumbent will layout, frame, hang drywall, install ceilings, lay carpet, lay floor tile, finish drywall and install a variety of moldings as detailed in drawing.
  • Will perform various labor duties such as digging, carrying, climbing, lifting, keeping work areas clean, tool inventory, materials storage, pick up materials from Warehouse, etc. May also be required to operate various equipment such as fork-lift, hand trucks, etc.
  • Assist with keying or re-keying, repair/install locking devices and other associated hardware. Maintains a computerized program to support work orders and record keeping for locks, keys and other associated devices.
  • Custom build shelving/containers or support items as designed or outlined to support research equipment or to meet the needs of office, lab or classroom activities. Install a variety of screens, whiteboards, display boards or custom build support systems for specialized research items.
  • Assist and or lay blocks, form and pour concrete, patch plaster and perform other duties associated with the mason trades.
  • Hang and finish a variety of wall coverings. Require moving, loading and transport all materials and equipment necessary to complete all phases of assigned maintenance and or construction projects.
  • Will operate and utilize various computerized software programs to include Unifier CMMS, Applaud, Mountaineer Marketplace, Outlook and Microsoft Office.
  • Required to leave work sight in clean and orderly fashion.
  • Ensures that proper safety procedures and PPE are used while performing job duties and shop staff utilize proper PPE to perform duties.
  • May be assigned to assist or work with other crafts as necessary.
  • Required to work mandatory overtime as assigned. Must be available for repair and/or assistance for problems that may arise such as emergencies, shut-downs, etc. at times other than regular work hours and pre-scheduled work.
  • Provides continual updates on progress of assigned maintenance or construction projects. Maintains the original scope of project to ensure project cost control. Ensures that work group processes all work requests, material requisitions, weekly reports, and invoices necessary to complete assignments.
  • May fill in for manager. Must be able to operate computers utilizing various software programs such as: Building maintenance management programs involving work orders, and materials accountability, building support systems and other systems as necessary.

Pay Grade:15
Hours: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED
    Must have one of the following:
    - 2 years experience in general trades, building
    maintenance experience in the areas of basic
    carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or other
    craft trades.
    - Completion of an associate degree in building
    maintenance or other craft trade.
    - Completion of a 2-year accredited vocational
    craft trades program.
    And One (1) year experience leading and/or training others.
  • All qualifications must be met by the time of employment
  • Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered. All qualifications must be met by the time of employment

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Demonstrated knowledge of building systems, how they operate.
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate system variables, measure performance and design corrective action.
  • Strong logic and analytical skills, focus/root cause.
    • Ability to function in highly stressful situations.
  • Excellent communication skills, ability to perform work in a professional capacity, technical language as well as in simple, everyday terminology utilizing both written and oral communications.
  • Ability to read complex mechanical/electrical diagrams, advise on troubleshooting techniques, and create/alter sequence of operations.
  • Self-motivated/ability to function with minimal supervision/direction and lead by example.
  • Ability to perform on a cross functional work team comprised of skilled trades personnel to complete assignments, tasks and repairs on schedule and within budget.
  • Knowledge of carpentry, construction, plumbing, mechanical maintenance, preventive maintenance, repairs, alterations, and renovations. Excellent eye to hand coordination.
  • Ability to work in varying temperature environments.
  • Ability to stoop, bend, crawl and climb heights over 10 feet and materials over 50 lbs.
  • Ability to work overtime and respond during off hours as needed.
  • Ability to work safely around moving equipment, heights and uneven surfaces.

Physical Abilities
  • Normal office environment
  • Use of computer and office equipment
  • Walking distance, standing, lifting, bending, carrying over 50 lbs
  • Crawling, climbing, and awkward positions

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