What Should You Charge for Locksmith? 2026 Pricing Guide

What should you charge for locksmith in 2026? Average rates range $100–$300 per service call. See typical job costs, what affects pricing, and build a professional proposal.

Locksmith Cost at a Glance

$100–$300 per service call

Typical market range. Actual costs vary by region, job scope, and provider experience.

Common Locksmith Service Prices

Service Typical Price Range
Car lockout $75–$150
Home lockout $75–$200
Lock rekey (per lock) $20–$50
Deadbolt installation $100–$250

Prices are U.S. market averages for 2026. Local rates vary.

What Affects Locksmith Pricing

  • Service type — lockout vs. rekey vs. installation
  • Time of call — emergency and after-hours add 50–100%
  • Lock complexity — high-security or smart locks cost more
  • Geographic location — rural areas may have trip fees
  • Number of locks — volume discounts on rekeying multiple locks

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Locksmith Pricing FAQ

How much does a locksmith charge for a lockout?

Car and home lockouts typically run $75–$200 during business hours. After-hours and weekend calls run $150–$300. Be wary of online ads showing very low prices — many use bait-and-switch tactics.

Should I rekey or replace my locks after moving into a new home?

Rekeying is the safer and cheaper option — $20–$50 per lock vs. $100–$200 to replace. Rekeying makes old keys useless while keeping your existing hardware. Replace only if locks are old, damaged, or you want to upgrade security.

How do I avoid locksmith scams?

Get a price quote by phone before they arrive. Use locksmiths with a physical address and verifiable business license. If the tech arrives in an unmarked van and quotes 3x the phone price, you can refuse service.

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