Locksmith costs vary by service type, time of day, and whether the operator is legitimate. Here’s a practical overview for 2026 — and a guide to what a fair price looks like versus what a predatory price looks like.
“A fair locksmith price for a standard residential lockout is $100 to $175 all in, during business hours. After hours, add a premium — $150 to $250 is reasonable for a 2 AM call. If someone is quoting you $350 for a standard deadbolt lockout at any time of day, ask them to explain every line item. That price is not justified by the work.”
— Dmitri Volkov, licensed locksmith and security consultant with 18 years of experience in residential and commercial locksmith services in the local area
Standard Locksmith Service Costs (your region, 2026)
Lockout Services
| Service | Typical range (business hours) | Typical range (after hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Residential lockout (non-destructive entry) | $100 – $175 | $150 – $250 |
| Residential lockout (lock must be drilled) | $150 – $250 + lock replacement | $200 – $350 + lock replacement |
| Car lockout | $75 – $150 | $125 – $225 |
| Commercial lockout | $125 – $225 | $175 – $300 |
Rekeying
| Service | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Rekey single lock cylinder | $25 – $50 |
| Rekey all exterior locks (3–4 locks) | $75 – $175 |
| Rekey and key alike (all locks one key) | $100 – $200 for 3–4 locks |
Lock Installation and Replacement
| Service | Typical range (labor only) |
|---|---|
| Standard deadbolt installation | $50 – $100 |
| High-security deadbolt installation | $75 – $150 |
| Smart lock installation (basic) | $75 – $150 |
| Smart lock installation (with hub setup) | $100 – $250 |
| High-security strike plate installation | $35 – $75 |
Hardware Costs (Supply)
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Standard Grade 2 deadbolt (Kwikset, Weiser) | $30 – $70 |
| Grade 1 deadbolt (Schlage B60, equivalent) | $70 – $130 |
| High-security deadbolt (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock) | $150 – $400+ |
| Smart lock (mid-range — Schlage Encode, Yale Assure) | $150 – $300 |
| Smart lock (premium — with hub, subscription features) | $250 – $500+ |
Pricing Red Flags
A dispatch fee below $50 with no estimate of total cost. Legitimate locksmiths charge $50–$100 as a service call / dispatch fee, which they’re transparent about. An advertised price of $19, $25, or $39 is almost always bait-and-switch pricing.
“High-security” or “special” lock explanations that dramatically increase the price on site. A standard residential deadbolt is not a high-security lock. If a locksmith arrives and tells you your lock is “special” or “high-security” and requires a dramatically more expensive service, ask them to show you specifically why. Standard deadbolts — Kwikset, Schlage, Weiser, Weslock — are all pickable by a competent locksmith.
Drilling without explanation. Drilling should cost more than picking because it requires lock replacement. If a locksmith drills without explaining why non-destructive entry failed, you may be paying for a replacement lock unnecessarily.
Related Questions
- Questions to Ask a Locksmith Before You Hire One
- Red Flags When Hiring a Locksmith
- Questions to Ask a Locksmith About Lockout Services
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