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How much does a locksmith cost in 2023? Estimates and prices paid

How much does a locksmith cost in 2023? Estimates and prices paid

How much does a locksmith cost in 2023? Estimates and prices paid

People are locked out of their vehicles and homes every day. You may think it will only occur to you once you do. Or you may have to change all the locks in your home due to unforeseen circumstances or do a security upgrade. So how much does a locksmith cost these days?

A locksmith typically charges an average of $75 to $550. The average cost of hiring a locksmith per incident is typically $150. Rates will fluctuate based on job specifications, materials used, and labor charges over time. Emergency call costs will generally be higher.

Locksmithing is an art, and the cost of a locksmith generally indicates their level of experience and skill set.

However, hiring an experienced 24/7 safe locksmith services who can perform these tasks in minutes without the sometimes costly mistakes associated with doing it yourself is worth it.

The cost of a locksmith in 2023

A locksmith, or Houdini as I refer to them today, will charge according to the specifications of the locksmith job, the cost of materials used, the cost of labor, and whether it is an emergency call or a scheduled reservation.

Think of a locksmith as ordering food from your favorite restaurant; not all menu items will cost the same. 

The average cost of hiring a locksmith

The average cost of hiring a locksmith is around $145 per incident, with the highest average price being $195 and the lowest average cost being $95.

The mixed average price is because no locksmith charges the same hourly, job, or call rates. The cost of hiring a locksmith will vary from state to state, even from one locksmith to another in the same city, but they will all fall within a specific price range.

When a customer is overcharged to the extent that it goes beyond what other locksmiths charge, what consumers expect to pay will result in a loss of work for them.

Let’s go over a typical certified government locksmith menu and see how much they charge, on average, per menu item/locksmith job.

What are the average service charges for a locksmith?

Service charges relate to what a locksmith charges as a minimum call charge, their hourly rate, and their after-hours emergency rate:

  • Call Charge: The call charge can range from $30 to $85 for the first hour. Most locksmiths charge around $75.
  • Hourly rates during regular hours are Typically around $75 per hour.
  • Hourly Rates After Hours: The hourly rate may increase to $100.
  • Emergency/After Hours Charge: These calls can incur a charge ranging from $95 to $245, depending on job requirements.

Call charges may increase if a locksmith is called to your rural home. A locksmith can charge up to $150 during peak hours; It’s always a good idea to make an appointment outside of peak hours (7 a.m.–10 a.m.) if possible.

The cost of being locked out of your home

Locking yourself out of your house is more common than we think. It has happened to most, and it can happen to you if you don’t have electronic locks that you can unlock via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

After calling a locksmith to help you get into your home, the smart thing is to have $150 ready. That is the average price that a locksmith can charge for this job.

Typically, if the locksmith needs to replace the lock, this cost can add up to $185 if it is not included in the $150 average price.

Replacing a lost house key can cost between $50 and $100 if you decide not to replace the lock.

The cost of replacing the locks on your home

Remember that ex to whom you lovingly gave the extra key to your house to symbolize your trust? For safety reasons, you may have to change your locks to keep them out when the longing hits, usually after a little liquid courage!

Locks tend to get damaged or wear out over time. If you have one key for all the locks in your home and one coil is bad, you have to replace all the locks, which can be expensive.

The cost to replace a lock in your home will depend on the following factors:

  • how many locks do you need to change
  • The type of locks you have installed.
  • The variety of replacement locks.

Cost of different types of locks for the home (materials only):

  • Goatee: $25 – $300
  • Padlocks: $30 – $80
  • Deadbolts: $40 – $80
  • Privacy: $25 – $60
  • Sliding door: $20 – $300
  • Smart: $100 – $450
  • Pocket: $100 – $200
  • Keyless: $150 – $300
  • Touchpad: $175 – $250
  • Grip set: $225 – $550
  • Electronic: $200 – $400
  • Shroud: $300 – $450
  • Fingerprint: $250 – $425

A locksmith can guide you on which lock is suitable for which door and entry point type. Before going to the hardware store and buying multiple locks, ask the locksmith you hired for expert advice.

Depending on the number of locks you need to exchange, the price range for this service can be anywhere from $50 to $300, depending on which locks you use to replace your old ones.

Lock prices average between $15-$40 per lock, and if any drilling is required with installation, expect a $95-$150 fee. Installing a previously purchased lock averages $40-$150.

Exterior door locks cost between $70 and $170, while a deadbolt installation costs around $90 to $190. Installing a garage door lock is a more expensive lock replacement/installation that can cost anywhere from $90 to $325.

Handle sets can cost you $195-$299 to install, specialty key duplication $10-$20, and standard key duplicates cost up to $5 per key. For knob lock installations, you’re looking at a price range of $80 to $150, depending on the type of knob lock you choose.

The cost of changing the locks on your house

Rekeying a lock will cost you less than replacing it. When a locksmith rekeys a lock, he replaces the pins with new ones, so the old key no longer works in the lock.

Rekeying is a vital security option when, in hindsight, you gave your spare house key to the “wrong” people (ex., friends who aren’t friends anymore, vengeful family). Or if you rent a new house where the previous tenants may still have a working key.

The average cost to rekey a home’s locks is $75 to $130, with a possible additional charge of $20 per lock. Some locksmiths will charge you a fee for the complete service of changing all the locks.

The following is an average price list for rekeying different types of locks:

  • Tubular lock: $34
  • Secure Deposit Lock: $37
  • High-security cylinder: $32
  • IC cylinder: $31
  • Adams Rite Dead Latch: $25
  • Set in the master key system: $23
  • Rim/mortise cylinder lock: $21
  • Entry knob: $19

Rekeying a lock is also an option; depending on how many locks you need, it might be a cheaper option. If you’re curious, here’s a step-by-step guide to changing your door locks!

The cost of extracting a house key

Breaking a key in a lock can be a moment of panic; however, it doesn’t have to be. There are many unique ways to remove a broken key from a lock. However, a locksmith is a great option to avoid further damage to your locks and adding to the cost of fixing the problem.

Removing a house key ranges from $75 to $140.

The cost of replacing a house key

A locksmith usually suggests replacing your locks when you report a lost key.

If you think the key is somewhere in your house, a replacement key is a good option. If key theft cannot be ruled out, replacing or rekeying the lock will be a more secure option.

On average, replacing a house key can cost between $50 and $100, depending on whether it’s electronic.

The cost of duplicating a house key

There are many places to copy a key nowadays; check out our full list of local key duplication locations here. However, many more convenient services can only copy basic house keys. You should consult a locksmith to duplicate more complicated or higher security keys.

A duplicate house key can cost between $10 and $25.

The cost of installing an electronic security system

When you install high-security locks that grant access via biometrics, electronic keypad, or Bluetooth, the price will vary depending on the type of lock system installed.

An average electrical system can range from $100-$500 to $500-$1,800 to install a fully complete smart home electrical system (unit included).

Here are some average costs when converting and installing high-tech security systems:

  • Electrical Power Bolt:  $50 – $70
  • Keyboard/Reader:  $70 – $100
  • Electrified Hinge:  $80 – $100
  • Alarm output:  $120 – $160
  • Electrified lock: $150 – $175
  • Electric Strike:  $150 – $200
  • Electromagnetic lock: $220 – $350
  • Video surveillance system: $250 – $500

The cost of locksmithing a safe

Your safe holds everything from money to passports and maybe a family heirloom or two, so getting locked in can be stressful.

Getting a locksmith to come and open a safe will cost anywhere from $70 to $160. If the locksmith needs to drill, the price will increase to $225–$375. The cost can be as high as $450, depending on the type of safe (floor safe or money safe) and the method of opening the particular safe.

Hiring a locksmith to move your safe costs $80-$150, and changing an electric or manual lock combination costs $50-$60. Changing a lock on a safe can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, including labor and installation costs.

If you want to install a safe, the cost will, on average, be between $150 and $200.

The cost of replacing a mailbox lock

The average price to replace a personal mailbox lock is $75 to $200, depending on the type of lock you need.

A replacement key for a locked or key card-operated mailbox can cost between $60 and $90.

The cost of being locked out of your car

Who hasn’t locked themselves out of their car? I’ve locked myself out of my car several times, usually with the kids, from designated driver to “Dude, where’s my key?” and hundreds of dollars later in a few “fun” hours.

When hiring an automotive locksmith, the average price range is $10 to $250 per incident.

If you lock your car today, physically unlocking your door will cost you $75–$150 in locksmith terms. When you call a car locksmith at night, the price goes up to $150 – 300.

The cost to repair/replace your car door lock

It doesn’t matter if you need to repair or replace a car lock; both options are in the same price range: $50 – $150.

The cost of changing the keys to the doors and ignition of your car

The best reason to change your car door key is if someone has your spare key or you suspect someone has a copy of your key. Another good reason to change your car keys is if the key won’t unlock the door or the ignition.

  • The average cost to change a car door key: $75 – $150
  • The average cost to change the car ignition key: $60 – $150 (with a maximum of $225 depending on the complexity of the job at hand).

The cost of replacing a car key

Pay between $70 and $250 on average to replace your car key.

When you don’t have a duplicate key, the auto locksmith will make you a replacement key through key cutting.

Keyless fob replacements cost more, with the worst-case scenario being a visit to the dealership where you can expect higher costs.

The cost of key fob programming

Locksmiths are masters at reprogramming or replacing keys with key fobs or transponder chips. However, most fobs are fairly easy to program yourself, and before you spend the money, consider checking out my fob programming guide with instructions for common vehicle manufacturers.

But if you want it done by a professional, consider a locksmith or visit your local AutoZone. However, please do your best to avoid dealerships as their costs are usually MUCH higher.

Car key programming costs between $50 and $200.

The cost of duplicating a car key

When you want to make a copy of your current car key to give someone else access to your car, the locksmith will create a new document from the original.

The average cost of duplicating car keys is $10 to $50.

The cost of removing a car key

If you have a key that won’t come loose from the ignition, or worse, breaks in the ignition, don’t try to be a hero and get it back yourself.

The auto locksmith costs can range from $75 to $200 to get it done safely.

The cost of replacing a motorcycle key

Losing your motorcycle key is unfortunate.

A car locksmith can charge you anywhere from $85-$100 to make you a new one and get you back on the road.

The cost of removing a bike lock

Locksmiths can help remove a bike lock, make you a new key, or rekey the lock.

The charge for this service is approximately $70 to $160.

Final Considerations:

Many consider locksmiths expensive, but does peace of mind, and security come at a price?

Many basic tasks locksmiths perform can be done yourself, and I have plenty of guides here to help you. But unless you have the time, patience, and tools to do it yourself and do it right, you’re better off calling a professional!

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How much does a locksmith cost in 2023? Estimates and prices paid