How to Become a Locksmith in Wisconsin

If you are someone who enjoys working with your hands and solving problems, then becoming a Locksmith might be the perfect career path for you.

There are three skills that Locksmiths are required to have to become successful in this trade, which includes, dexterity, mechanical skills, and physical strength.

Two of which you can easily obtain.

The other, mechanical skills, is a skill you will need to obtain through an apprenticeship or training program.

Candidates who wish to pursue a career as a locksmith will need to follow certain steps to prepare for this job.

Steps to Become a Locksmith in Wisconsin

There are no formal educational requirements to become a locksmith in Wisconsin.

However, it may be best to select a locksmith program that allows you to acquire the necessary knowledge of the field to fast-track your career.

Step 1: Enroll in a training program at a school that offers such a program. Schools offer two formats: traditional and online.

Step 2: After completing a training program, students receive a locksmith’s certificate.

Students can opt to look for employment or try to find an apprenticeship to work under an experienced locksmith and gain industry knowledge in in-depth experience first.

Step 3: Many locksmiths prefer to work for a locksmithing company.

Others have more of an entrepreneurial spirit and opt to start their own business.

There are certain licenses and permits required when starting a business.

Speak to City Hall regarding the requirements for opening up a new locksmithing shop.

Step 4: Many locksmiths sign up with a trade association after entering the field.

There are many benefits for locksmiths when signing up with a trade association, such as receiving information to stay updated on the developments in the sector.

In addition, for locksmiths new to the industry, signing up with a trade association will help them to meet and network with customers and increase insurance options in the field.

Step 5: To attract new customers to the business, it is important to promote the business through targeted marketing efforts.

It’s best to use a variety of methods to market the company.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith in Wisconsin

Locksmiths are not required to have a license in the trade in the state of Wisconsin.

However, if you are interested in starting your own business, you should conduct proper research regarding the regulations and standards for running a business in Wisconsin and obtain a business license and any relevant permits.

Locksmith Programs in Wisconsin

1. Foley Belsaw Locksmithing

Foley Belsaw Locksmithing offers a variety of Certified Locksmithing Online courses.

The online Professional Locksmithing course is sold in four lesson sets plus their supplies, with a total of fifty lessons and takes two years to complete.

The lessons consist of all the theoretical and practical knowledge that students will need in their day-to-day careers as locksmiths.

Upon completion of the program, you will obtain your personalized diploma in Locksmithing.

The total tuition cost is $625. This includes the supplies that will be needed for each lesson plus their shipping.

2. Penn Foster Career Institute

Penn Foster Career Institute offers a five-month online Certified Locksmithing and home security Program.

Their online program allows its students to build industry knowledge at the comfort of their own pace.

The program consists of a series of courses that cover keys, locks, master locks, and the various tools used by locksmiths during their duties.

The program is accredited, offered online, and consists of five courses, two assignments, and 19 exams.

Tuition for the program is $899 upfront or $59 a month.

3. Fox Valley Technical College

This school offers a 40-hour locksmith training program.

The five-day intensive training program is offered by a Certified Master Locksmith.

The goal of the program is to provide students with a solid understanding of the most popular locking devices and how to service these devices.

In addition, students learn about emergency bypass techniques, high-security locks, and life safety codes to mention a few.

The estimated tuition for the program is $1,300.

Salary

The average annual salary for a certified locksmith in Wisconsin is $60,160 on the high end and $37,795 on the low end.

This is approximately $29 an hour, $1,158 a week, or $5,013 a month on the high end for an entry-level position.

The salary varies according to the exact location in the state of Kentucky, the type of employer, and the number of years of experience the candidate has.

Annual Salary Range:* Salary information last updated 2025

Regional Salary in Wisconsin

* Salary information based on the May 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers, OCC Code 49-9094, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.