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Locksmith Licensing in North Carolina

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for locksmith in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Locksmith in North Carolina

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: No educational requirements
  • Examination: State exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: No experience required
  • Background Check: Background check required
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NC Locksmith Licensing Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $42,190 median (16% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #48 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in North Carolina

With a median salary of 42,190, Locksmiths in North Carolina earn 16% below the national median of $50,490. North Carolina ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$42,190

Hourly estimate

$20.28
16% below national median

Difference: -$8,300

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$28,090
  • P2525th percentile$30,720
  • P50Median$42,190
  • P7575th percentile$50,170
  • P9090th percentile$69,160

State vs National Median

State: $42,190
National: $50,490

Total employment: 520 | Annual openings: N/A

Locksmith Salary Ranking

#48 of 50 statesfor Locksmith median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Rhode Island73,120
#2Connecticut64,470
#3Massachusetts62,670
#4Georgia61,610
#5California61,500

Nearby States Comparison

Locksmith licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
North Carolina$42,190No educational requirementsState exam required6-24 months
Virginia$57,990Specific course requiredNo exam required6-24 months
Tennessee$45,110Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Georgia$61,610Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
South Carolina$45,950Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
North Carolina50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Georgia33LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
South Carolina78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

NC Locksmith Licensing Board

P.O. Box 10972, Raleigh, NC, 27605

Phone: 9198388782

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in North Carolina

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Carpenter$47,630Degree required6-24 months
Electrician$54,070No educational requirements6-24 months
Elevator Installer$102,310Varies by state board6-24 months
HVAC Technician$51,940No educational requirements6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Locksmith in North Carolina?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Locksmiths in North Carolina?

North Carolina lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Locksmiths.

What education do you need to become a Locksmith in North Carolina?

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Locksmith licensure in North Carolina.

What is the typical Locksmith salary in North Carolina?

The median annual salary for Locksmiths in North Carolina is 42,190. Salaries range from $28,090 (10th percentile) to $69,160 (90th percentile).

How does the Locksmith salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?

Locksmiths in North Carolina earn 16% below the national median of $50,490, with a state median of 42,190.

How many Locksmiths work in North Carolina?

North Carolina employs approximately 520 Locksmiths according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Locksmith license to North Carolina from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Locksmiths in North Carolina?

The licensing agency is NC Locksmith Licensing Board. Review agency details at http://www.nclocksmithboard.org/.