How to Become a Locksmith in Indiana

Working as a Locksmith requires creativity and logic.

Solving complex problems and helping to keep customers safe in a crisis is a big part of the trade.

For those who are passionate about security, this may be the ideal career path.

To become successful in this field, candidates must possess a specific set of skills and follow certain steps to prepare for a career as a locksmith.

In this article, we highlight the most important steps to becoming a locksmith in Indiana.

Steps to Become a Locksmith in Indiana

Step 1: Obtain the necessary certificate in a program that offers Locksmithing.

Having a certificate to back your knowledge of the trade will give you a major advantage when you are looking for employment.

Step 2: Apply for either a part-time or full-time job in Locksmithing, where you will gain hands-on experience that you will carry out in your own business.

Alternatively, you could opt to apply for an apprenticeship before or after completing a program.

If you complete a training program, you may not need to complete an apprenticeship.

But, combining these two elements will ensure that you have the proper knowledge and skills to start working immediately, or to start your own business.

Step 3: Start your own locksmithing business.

Once you have gained enough training and experience, you are set to open your own business.

If you do decide to start your own business, you should know that you are required to obtain certain licenses and permits.

You may speak to City Hall about the steps for opening your own business and the permits and/or licenses that you need to obtain.

Step 4: Apply for membership with any professional association in the trade.

Step 5: Advertise your locksmithing business.

The locksmith trade is a competitive market and finding customers will be the main challenge when you are starting a business in locksmithing in Indiana.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith in Indiana

In the state of Indiana, you are not required to have any official schooling, certificate, or license to work as a locksmith.

Although, it is recommended you have some sort of training or experience in the trade to guarantee a secure entry-level position.

Locksmith Programs in Indiana

Locksmith courses don’t take long to complete and can even be done online.

We’ve included one online program and one in-person training program offered in Indiana, once a year.

1. Ashworth College

Ashworth College offers an online locksmithing program that may be completed in seven months.

Alternatively, you could opt for the fast-track program and complete your locksmithing certificate in as little as five months.

Upon signing up for the online program, students are given access to an Ashworth College Central Network profile, a digital toolbox, and more.

Students can engage with lecturers to help prepare them to meet with prospective employers upon graduation from the program.

The entire curriculum is offered online. Students cover a variety of courses in the program, including an introduction to keys, fundamentals of home security, home security wiring, and locks and key mastering, to mention a few.

Upon completion of the program, students receive a certificate of completion.

Tuition, when paid in full, is $899.

There is a payment option available.

Students may pay $59 a month.

2. Nat Lock

Nat Lock offers a comprehensive Certified Facility Locksmith training program in Indianapolis, Indiana, in a hotel.

Students cover a variety of courses in the 40-hour program and the school advises that students stay at the hotel for the program to be more convenient.

The training is restricted to employees and facilities that can immediately put the training to use.

The program combines written and hands-on demonstrations of the fundamental aspects of the job.

Upon successful completion of the program, students write an examination and receive a certificate of completion.

Enrollment is usually limited to 24 people.

Candidates should ensure that they confirm the venue as this may change from year to year.

The program is offered over five days and tuition is $1,395.

Salary

The salary of a locksmith in Evansville, Indiana, starts at $41,792 per annum.

The median salary for this position with some experience is $47,859.

Those on the high end of the earning bracket can expect to take home $53,025 per year.

These amounts will differ depending on your employer, the number of years of experience, and which part of the state you live in.

Annual Salary Range:* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Indiana

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers, OCC Code 49-9094, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.