How Much Does a Locksmith Cost?

If you’re locked out of your home or looking to up your house’s security, you’ll need to hire a locksmith. The average cost to hire a locksmith is $157. You can expect to pay between $98 and $217, depending on the type of service.

For example, to change locks for your home, the cost can run anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on how many locks you have, the level of security, and the kind of lock you want. It can also go up to $300 for after-hours services and emergencies.

Estimating Locksmith Costs

Locksmiths can offer several specialized services, from changing a house lock to unlocking a car. The locksmith fee depends on the service you need and can depend on factors like where you live and if it’s an emergency service. 

Expect to pay $85 to $250 to hire a locksmith. The minimum call-out charge is $30 to $85, while the minimum trip fees range from $50 to $100 and can go up to $150 if you live in a rural area. After-hours emergency service calls run from $150 to $250.

How Much Does It Cost to Work on a Lock Yourself?

Whether you lost your keys or got your keys stuck in the lock, attempting to DIY any work on your lock can end up making the problem worse. You also run the risk of causing damage to your house or car if you don’t have experience. 

If you find yourself in this situation, it’s better to call a local locksmith. They can save you both time and money and give you peace of mind that they will do the job correctly.

Cost to Rekey a Lock Yourself vs. Hiring a Locksmith

Rekeying kits are available to buy for $30 to $150. While it’s a DIY project, it can be tricky to rekey a lock if it’s your first time. It might take you a few trials to get it right. A professional, however, can rearrange the pins in the cylinder and provide you with a new key for as little as $80 to $160 with labor included.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Locksmith by Type of Service?

A locksmith offers various services, from unlocking to changing locks or rekeying your home, safe, or car. The total cost depends mainly on the service you’re looking for and the type of locksmith you need.

House Locksmith Price

Whether you’re locked out of your house or want to change older locks, you need to act quickly to ensure the security of your home. The locksmith can help you for $50 to $100 per hour and $75 to $125 per hour in emergencies.

Unlocking a House

It typically costs $65 to $180 for a locksmith to help you if you’re locked out of your house. That price covers overhead, insurance, travel time, and the cost depending on the time of day; after hours will cost more than standard working hours.  

Changing House Locks

It usually costs about $50 to $200 to change the locks on your home and can go up to $300 in emergencies. 

Rekeying Home Locks

Rekeying locks on your home typically costs $80 to $160. If you call the locksmith to your home, you might pay a trip fee of $50 to $100. The cost to rekey is $30 to $60 per lock, bringing you to that total.

Rekeying is different and more affordable than replacing the locks. When rekeying, a locksmith rearranges the pins in the cylinder, which changes the key. 

Installing Deadbolt Locks

Installing a deadbolt lock costs $40 to $75 plus the cost of the deadbolt, depending on its type:

• Cylindrical deadbolts cost $50–$70

• Cylindrical lever locks cost: $60–$70

• Mortise locksets cost: $125–$175

Installing Electronic Locks

Most electronic systems use a combination of keypads, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and biometrics. Some systems also interact with smart home hubs.

While a single keypad lock might run as little as $50, installing a smart home electronic lock can cost anywhere from $100 to $500—depending on the type of lock system installed—and go up to $2,000+ for more high-tech systems. 

The price for each type of electronic lock:

• Keypad: $50–$300

• Bluetooth: $60–$200

• Biometric: $150–$500

• Wi-Fi: $250–$450

Auto Locksmith Prices

Auto locksmiths are trained to unlock cars within minutes without causing any damage. They can also replace or rekey the lock using the right equipment if needed.

Unlocking a Car 

A locksmith typically charges $60 to $85 to open your car door or trunk, and the cost can go up to $150 depending on how far they have to travel. Expect to pay double for after-hours services.

Replacing a Car Door Lock

In most cases, the cost to change a standard door lock runs from $50 to $200. But if you need to replace the keypad, you might spend an additional $200 to $400.

Rekeying a Car 

Rekeying a car door runs from $30 to $50 per door. Expect to pay an additional trip fee plus the cost of the setup keys, which can easily double the price.

Rekeying a car ignition runs between $50 to $150, depending on the make of the car. 

Making a Car Key

Making a standard car key can run anywhere from $4 to $10. If you need a transponder key, you’ll need to order them from the dealership since a locksmith can’t make these keys.

What Factors Influence the Cost to Hire a Locksmith?

A few factors affect the final price to hire a locksmith, from the service to the timing and more.

Type of Service 

Locksmiths offer various services at different prices. Some services require a specialized locksmith, from rekeying your home locks to replacing your car ignition lock, which can drive up the price. 

Emergencies 

If you find yourself locked out of your home at any time, many locksmiths are available 24 hours a day. You can call your local locksmith for an emergency visit but expect to pay $150 to $250 on average.

Trip Fees

In most cases, you will need to pay a trip fee of $50 to $100 that can surge up to $150 for a locksmith to come to your house or car, especially if you live in a rural area.

FAQs About Hiring a Locksmith 

How can you hire a vetted locksmith?

You can get a locksmith to visit your home or car 24 hours a day. While the vast majority of locksmiths are professionals, be on the lookout for anything that brings you pause in your hiring search, even if it’s an emergency.

Here are some tips for finding a qualified locksmith:

• Research potential professionals in a trusted locksmith directory and look for their online reviews.

• Verify legitimate businesses by searching the business name online.

• Call multiple locksmiths to get the best quote. A properly trained, honest locksmith will give you an estimate before hiring them.

• Interview them and ask about their previous jobs, insurance, and ask to see their license (if your state requires licensing)

• Qualified locksmiths are up to date with smart home modern tech. They should know about electronic locks, biometric security, and other advanced systems. 

When should you replace door locks?

You’ll want to replace your door locks in a few scenarios, including:

• When you move to a new home.

• After a burglary or suspected attempted break-in.

• If you lose a key with address-identifying information.

How long does it take to rekey a lock?

It usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes to rekey each lock.