How to Become a Locksmith in Iowa

The locksmith industry in the United States, as of 2022, is a 2.9 billion dollar market.

Over the past five years, from 2017 to 2022, this market saw a growth rate of 3.1% annually.

With population growth, the demand for housing increases.

What that means is that with new housing comes security requirements and a need for locks and other security measures.

This is an excellent industry to pick a career in.

There is a demand for locksmiths, not only in Iowa but also across the US.

The journey to becoming a qualified locksmith starts by following the right steps.

Steps to Become a Locksmith in Iowa

Step 1: Your first step would be to join a trade school and obtain a certificate to demonstrate your competence in the field.

Step 2: This step may be combined with the first step or may be substituted.

Apply for an apprenticeship.

This will give you the hands-on experience you need to understand the trade inside out.

You will work under the direct supervision of a trained and qualified locksmith who will be able to answer any questions you may have and offer you years of experience in a short amount of time.

Step 3: After obtaining the qualifications and hands-on experience, you should apply to become a member of a trade association.

Step 4: Get a job in the industry.

An apprenticeship may not be sufficient.

Getting a job in the industry with a reputable company may help you to meet clients in the industry and make valuable contacts that will help to set your business up for success.

Step 5: If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you may want to consider opening up your own business.

You should ensure that your business is compliant by applying for the necessary licenses and permits before trading.

Start-up costs for this type of business are generally low.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith in Iowa

The state of Iowa does not require any specialized training or license to be a locksmith.

However, if you plan to work for a company, it may be best to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge through either a training program or apprenticeship, or both.

This will help to secure a job with a reputable company.

Furthermore, if you plan to open up your own business, you should apply for a Business License for the city where you intend to work.

If you plan to sell locks from your business, you will need to obtain a seller’s permit.

You will also need to register for sales tax.

Locksmith Programs

1. Penn Foster

Penn Foster offers an online locksmith training program which may be completed in as little as five months on the accelerated program or seven months.

The program is accredited and self-paced.

It covers five training courses, two assignments, and 19 exams.

Upon completion, students receive a certificate.

Students learn about the process of key making, how to work with different kinds of locks, and how to service these locks.

Tuition is $899 when paid in full or 59 dollars monthly.

2. Ashworth College

Ashworth College offers an online locksmith program that may be completed in as little as four months.

The program prepares students with the fundamental knowledge of making keys and servicing various types of keys.

Students gain knowledge of locks and key mastering, home security wiring, and the fundamentals of home security, in addition to basic knowledge of different types of keys and locking devices, and how to service them.

Tuition is $899 when paid in full or $59 monthly.

3. Class Central

Class Central offers various free online locksmith programs.

These programs differ in duration and the material being covered. Some of the programs offer a certificate of completion.

4. ALOA Locksmith Association

The association offers various online and in-person locksmith training programs.

Their six-day basic locksmith training program is offered by a certified master locksmith and covers a range of topics ranging from different types of keys, locks, and servicing techniques, as well as safe opening, doors and hardware, and automotive locksmith training.

There is an examination and application fee of $60, in addition to the tuition amount, which differs according to the program.

Salary

The average annual salary for a certified Locksmith in Iowa is $58,450 on the high end and $36,721 on the low end.

This is approximately $28 an hour, $1,124 a week, or $4,871 a month on the high end for an entry-level position.

Some factors will cause the salary to fluctuate, which include the type of employer, the amount of experience the locksmith has, and the qualifications and training that the locksmith has.

Annual Salary Range:* Salary information last updated 2025