Cost Guide · Updated May 2026
How much does a locksmith cost?
A locksmith averages about $163 per job, with most jobs between $107 and $242. A house lockout runs $70–$200, rekeying is about $28 per cylinder, and the trip charge averages roughly $97. After-hours and emergency calls add $150–$250.
Cost by service
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Average job (all-in) | $107–$242 (avg ~$163) |
| Service call / trip charge | ~$97 |
| House lockout | $70–$200 |
| Rekey (per cylinder) | ~$28 |
| After-hours / emergency surcharge | +$150–$250 |
What's included
- The service call / trip charge to come to you
- The specific job — lockout, rekey, or lock install/repair — plus labor
- Usually separate: new locks/hardware, and after-hours surcharges
When you need a locksmith
- Locked out of a home, business, or car
- Moved into a new place and want the locks rekeyed
- Lost keys, or a broken or worn lock
- Upgrading security, or after a break-in
What moves the price
- Time of day — emergencies and after-hours calls cost the most
- Lock type and complexity (high-security and smart locks cost more)
- Whether new hardware or parts are needed
- Travel distance and your location
How to save on a locksmith
- Avoid after-hours and emergency calls when you can — surcharges run $150–$250.
- Rekey instead of replacing locks when the existing hardware is fine.
- Use a local independent locksmith over a national call-center brand.
- For non-urgent work, schedule during regular business hours.
FAQ
How much does a locksmith cost?
A locksmith averages about $163 per job, with most landing between $107 and $242 (and a national range of $50–$400). The trip charge alone averages around $97, and emergency or after-hours calls add $150–$250.
How much is a house lockout?
A house lockout typically costs $70–$200, depending on the lock's complexity, the time of day, and whether it's an after-hours emergency call.
How much does it cost to rekey locks?
Rekeying averages about $28 per cylinder. A typical three-door home (around six cylinders plus the service call) runs roughly $260.
Why do locksmith prices vary so much?
Time of day (emergencies and after-hours cost more), lock type and complexity, whether parts are needed, and your location all move the price.
For locksmiths
Fast, high-volume jobs paid on site. JobStack lets you log a lockout or rekey and take a card from the curb, and texts back the calls you miss.
See JobStack for locksmithsCost ranges are national estimates compiled from cost-data sources including HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide, and Angi (2025–2026). Actual prices vary by service, time of day, and region. This is a planning guide, not a quote. More: all cost guides.