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Locksmith Licensing in Iowa

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Locksmith in Iowa

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $45,000 median (11% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #41 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Locksmith licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Iowa

With a median salary of $45,000, Locksmiths in Iowa earn 11% below the national median of $50,490. Iowa ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,154

Median annual salary

$45,000

Hourly estimate

$21.63
11% below national median

Difference: -$5,490

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$31,950
  • P2525th percentile$35,820
  • P50Median$45,000
  • P7575th percentile$60,980
  • P9090th percentile$67,000

State vs National Median

State: $45,000
National: $50,490

Total employment: 130 | Annual openings: N/A

Locksmith Salary Ranking

#41 of 50 statesfor Locksmith median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Rhode Island$73,120
#2Connecticut$64,470
#3Massachusetts$62,670
#4Georgia$61,610
#5California$61,500

Nearby States Comparison

Locksmith licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Iowa$45,000Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$61,420Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$47,720Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$47,360Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$47,490Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$47,470Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$50,490Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

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
Iowa68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Illinois68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Missouri68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing

6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50325

Phone: 5152814822

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Iowa

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$70,080Specific course requiredVaries by board
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$48,400Specific course requiredVaries by board
Carpenter$54,080Specific course requiredVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$63,830Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Locksmith in Iowa?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Locksmiths in Iowa?

Iowa lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Locksmiths.

What education do you need to become a Locksmith in Iowa?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Locksmith licensure in Iowa.

What is the typical Locksmith salary in Iowa?

The median annual salary for Locksmiths in Iowa is $45,000. Salaries range from $31,950 (10th percentile) to $67,000 (90th percentile).

How does the Locksmith salary in Iowa compare to the national average?

Locksmiths in Iowa earn 11% below the national median of $50,490, with a state median of $45,000.

How many Locksmiths work in Iowa?

Iowa employs approximately 130 Locksmiths according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Locksmith license to Iowa from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Locksmiths in Iowa?

The licensing agency is Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing. Review agency details at https://dial.iowa.gov/i-need/licenses/medical/nursing-professional-midwifery.

How often do you renew a Locksmith license in Iowa?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.