How Much Does a Locksmith Cost?

The cost of a locksmith can range from $90–$195, but what you pay will depend on your location, the service you need, and if it’s an emergency. Locksmiths can help you get back inside whether you’re accidentally locked out or need to upgrade your locks for security. Learn more about the cost of a locksmith, different lock types, and tips for saving on services in our detailed guide.

What Goes Into the Cost of a Locksmith?

The cost of a locksmith is largely determined by lock type, service, trip fees, and if you need emergency work.

Type of Lock

While some homes have standard manual locks or deadbolts, others might have more advanced systems. An electronic locks is the most expensive to work on or replace, from simple keypads to complex smart-home devices you can control remotely. Learn more about different types of electronic locks below. Note that pricing will vary depending on where you buy your lock and the installation.

• Keypad: Typically the simplest electronic locks, keypads open with a programmable alphanumeric code.
• Biometric: These locks require some kind of physical identification, usually a fingerprint.
• Bluetooth: You can control bluetooth locks using a mobile device like your phone.
• Radio frequency identification: Also known as RFID locks, these work with a key fob system and may unlock whenever the fob is nearby.
• Wi-Fi: These locks are operable from anywhere with an internet connection.

Service Type

The locksmith service you need has the biggest impact on price. The total cost depends on how difficult and time-consuming the job is and how many locks you need service. We go into more detail about different locksmith services and costs in the following section.

Trip Fee

Since a locksmith must come to you, the company may charge a flat fee per visit. Trip fees often depend on the time of day. For example, you’ll likely pay more during peak hours or on nights and weekends. Locksmiths may also base costs on the distance they must travel to get to you.

Emergencies

Not all lockouts happen during normal business hours. Most locksmiths offer after-hours services, but you’ll typically pay more on nights and weekends. An emergency locksmith may charge a higher hourly rate or add an extra service fee on top of normal charges.

How Much Do Locksmith Services Cost?

Different locksmith services require varying amounts of time and skill. An apprentice can complete some simple tasks, while more complex jobs require a master locksmith. You’ll need to pay for materials as well as labor if you require a new lock. Learn more about common locksmith services and costs below.

_{Note: The cost data featured in this guide is based on estimates from Homewyse, an online database with home improvement project costs.}

Unlocking a House

If you’re locked out of your house or residential building, a locksmith will usually charge $169–$205 to help you get back in. Emergency and after-hours services will cost more. If you can’t get in because a key breaks off inside a lock, you can also call a locksmith for extraction.

Changing Home Locks

Whether you’re moving into a new house, nervous about a lost house key, or dealing with the aftermath of a burglary, changing locks on your exterior doors can increase home security. Replacing a lockset can cost anywhere from $146–$229, with labor adding another $91–$194. Some locksmiths may charge per hour for this job, while others charge a rate per lock plus a trip fee. Replacing deadbolts, garage-door locks, and spare keys typically cost more.

You can also rekey a house’s locks so the old keys no longer work. This is often quicker and cheaper than replacing the locks while providing the same peace of mind. The downside is that new locks come with a warranty, whereas rekeying doesn’t. To rekey, the locksmith repositions the pins inside the lock’s tumbler and then cuts a new key that will open it.

Installing Electronic Locks

Individual electronic locks are expensive, so the cost of upgrading your whole house depends on which type you choose and how many you need. Installing electronic locks usually costs $144–$226 for the lock itself and another $106–$291 for labor, depending on how extensive the process is. Installing an entire smart-home security system can cost much more but offers more convenience.

Key Duplication

You can get new keys cut at the local hardware store, but locksmiths can typically cut specialty keys such as two-sided, dimpled, and master keys for around $6 each.

If you’re worried about key duplication from a safety standpoint, This Old House’s magazine recommends considering a keyless lock instead: “The ultimate solution to unauthorized duping may be the keyless lock. It opens doors with the touch of a keypad, the slip of a magnetic card, or the silent signal from a handheld clicker similar to those that control car doors.”

DIY vs. Hiring a Locksmith

It’s possible for handy homeowners to change or install their own locks in some cases. Other situations call for a professional locksmith’s tools and expertise.

Professional Locksmithing

Locksmithing is a licensed, certified trade for a reason. Master locksmiths spend more than 10 years on the job and undergo specialist training to gain their title. It’s a good idea to hire a professional if you’re dealing with a complex lock or want to ensure the highest security level. For example, a pro will be better able to install a strong, heavy lock without weakening the door or frame. They’ll also be able to advise you on the best locks for the security level you want.

It’s a good idea to hire an auto locksmith for any automotive project, even for something as simple as a car lockout. Most modern cars use electronic locks, so you’ll only damage your car by trying to fit a coat hanger or slim jim into the window frame. Additionally, car doors and locks are so varied and complex that trying to replace them yourself is daunting.

DIY Locksmithing

For a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, you can buy a simple, manual home door lock at a hardware store and replace it with a screwdriver. You may need a power drill, Allen wrench, or other tools if it’s a different size or lock type than what was used before. You can also purchase rekeying kits online. This process generally requires more time and precision than replacing a lock, but it’s possible to do yourself.

When Do You Need To Call a Locksmith?

It’s time to call a locksmith if you run into any of the following scenarios:

• You’ve locked yourself out of your home.
• You’ve lost your keys.
• You want new locks, especially after moving into a new home.
• Your keys no longer work or have broken off in your locks.
• You want to upgrade to electronic locks or burglar-proof your home.

How To Save on Locksmith Services

Hiring a locksmith doesn’t have to break the bank. Here‘s a list of ways you can save next time you call a locksmith.

• Try changing the locks yourself: If you’re switching out a simple door lock or deadbolt and feel comfortable doing the work yourself, you can save money on hiring a locksmith.
• Prevent issues before they happen: Replace old, damaged keys before they break off in a lock, which can cost more to fix.
• Ask about deals: If you need more than one service done, like rekeying and deadbolt installation, ask your locksmith if they offer package deals for a discount.
• Rekey rather than replace: Rekeying locks typically costs less than replacing them, which can save you money if possible depending on your situation.

Our Conclusion

Calling a locksmith is often urgent, but it’s important to make sure you hire a trustworthy contractor who can do the work you need. You may want to get referrals from family and friends before you even need locksmithing services so that you’ll know who to call. Make sure any company you hire has insurance and a current license if required in your state. Have a trusted locksmith’s number programmed into your phone in case of lockout emergencies.

FAQs About Locksmith Costs