How Much Does a Locksmith Cost? [2025 Data]

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.

Most homeowners pay $107 to $242 for locksmith services, with a national range from $50 to $400. Costs vary by service type—such as lockout, rekeying, or new lock installation—and may include a flat service fee or hourly rate. Emergency or after-hours calls often incur additional charges.

Getting the right locksmith at the right time helps keep your home secure, whether you’re locked out, need new locks, or want to upgrade your security. This guide covers everything you need to know about locksmith costs, so you can plan for both routine needs and urgent situations.

Locksmith Cost Factors

Understanding how much a locksmith costs begins with examining the key factors that influence pricing. Let’s break down the details so you know what to expect before you hire.

Type of Locksmith Service

Locksmiths offer a range of services, each with its own pricing. The most common include lockout assistance (helping you get back into your home or car), lock rekeying (changing the pins so old keys don’t work), new lock installation, lock repair, key duplication, smart lock installation, safe opening, and mailbox lock replacement.

Emergency services, such as late-night lockouts, are more expensive than scheduled visits. The complexity of your lock—basic deadbolt versus a high-security system—also affects the price. Here’s a breakdown of average costs by service type:

Size

The number of locks or doors you need serviced will affect the total cost. Rekeying a single lock costs less than rekeying every door in your home. Commercial properties with multiple entry points or complex security requirements will incur higher overall costs.

Frequency

Locksmith services may be a one-time event or part of a regular routine. If you’re a landlord, you may need locks rekeyed after each tenant moves out. Commercial properties often require ongoing maintenance. 

Emergency service calls are higher in cost, while scheduled or bundled services can result in discounts. Some locksmiths offer contracts or annual maintenance plans for ongoing needs, which can lower the per-visit cost.

Materials

The type of lock or hardware you choose affects the cost of a locksmith. Standard deadbolts are less expensive, while high-security locks, electronic keypads, and smart locks come with higher price tags. Replacing a lock is more costly than repairing it, especially for premium or specialty hardware.

Labor

Labor makes up a significant part of locksmith costs. Most locksmiths charge a flat service call fee, which covers travel and diagnostics. Hourly rates are standard for larger jobs, with minimum charges in place. Standard labor rates range from $50 to $100 per hour, with service fees from $35 to $100.

Labor rates can increase based on job complexity, provider experience, and licensing. After-hours or emergency calls cost more, as do jobs involving drilling or advanced security systems.  Complex installations or repairs can add $50 to $200 to the total cost.

Location

Where you live influences locksmith pricing. Urban areas and high-cost-of-living regions have higher rates than rural locations. Travel fees may apply for homes far from the locksmith’s shop or in hard-to-reach areas. The specific location within your property—like a garage, safe, or mailbox—also affects the cost due to accessibility.

Tipping

Tipping locksmiths is not required but is appreciated for exceptional service, especially during emergencies or after-hours calls. If you feel your locksmith went above and beyond, a tip of 10% to 20% of the total bill is a thoughtful gesture. Consider tipping more for urgent late-night visits or particularly difficult jobs.

How Often Should You Hire a Locksmith?

You should hire a locksmith whenever you move into a new home, lose your keys, or want to upgrade your security. Landlords and property managers often require locksmith services after tenant turnover to ensure that previous keys are no longer functional. After a break-in or attempted break-in, it’s wise to have locks checked or replaced.

Regular maintenance, such as lubricating locks or inspecting for wear, can help prevent emergencies. Annual or biennial checkups are a good idea for older homes or properties with high traffic. Keeping up with routine locksmith visits reduces the risk of lock failure and keeps your home secure.

Cost of Common Locksmith Add-Ons

Locksmiths offer additional services that can enhance your security or convenience. Some of the most common add-ons and their costs include:

• Emergency or after-hours surcharge: $50 to $150 extra per visit

• Key duplication: $2 to $20 per key, depending on key type

• Smart lock programming or integration: $30 to $100 added to base install

• Safe opening or repair: $150 to $400, depending on safe type

• Door hardware upgrades (handles, deadbolts, strike plates): $25 to $150 per item

• Security system integration: $100 to $350 for setup and programming

• Lock repair vs. full replacement: Repairs cost $60 to $150; full replacement costs $100 to $300 per lock

• Rekeying multiple locks for master key systems: $30 to $90 per lock

Add-ons are often necessary for improving security, replacing lost keys, or making your home more convenient. Bundling services or upgrading hardware during a scheduled visit can save money and time.

DIY Locksmith vs. Hiring a Pro

Some homeowners consider tackling basic locksmith tasks themselves to cut costs. DIY lock changes or rekeying kits are available at hardware stores, costing $15 to $40 per kit. However, these require detailed instructions, patience, and the right tools. Mistakes can lead to security risks or damaged locks, which may void warranties and cost more to fix.

Hiring a local locksmith brings expertise, proper tools, and guaranteed results. Pros efficiently handle high-security locks, smart systems, and emergencies. While DIY can work for simple projects, it's best to call a professional for complex, high-security, or urgent needs.

Tips to Reduce Locksmith Costs

You can keep your locksmith costs in check with a few smart strategies:

• Obtain multiple quotes and compare local locksmith rates.

• Schedule non-emergency services during regular business hours.

• Rekey existing locks instead of full replacement when possible.

• Provide clear details about the issue to avoid unnecessary service charges.

• Bundle multiple services (e.g., rekeying all locks at once) for potential discounts.

• Consider upgrading to smart locks for long-term savings and convenience.

• Regularly maintain locks to prevent costly repairs and emergency calls.

• Check for warranties or insurance coverage for lock-related issues.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.