If you're searching this question, you either just locked yourself out or you're doing smart research before an emergency hits. Either way, here's the honest answer.
Quick answer: Most locksmith jobs in the US cost between $89 and $300 depending on what you need. A standard house lockout averages $163 nationally. Car lockouts average $110. Rekeying a lock costs $50–$130 per lock.
The bigger risk isn't the price — it's paying $250 when the fair price was $120. That's what this guide helps you avoid.
Average Locksmith Prices (2026 National Data)
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| House Lockout | $89 | $163 | $225 |
| Car Lockout | $50 | $110 | $150 |
| Rekey Lock (per lock) | $50 | $80 | $130 |
| Install New Deadbolt | $100 | $175 | $300 |
| Car Key (Transponder) | $150 | $225 | $400 |
| Key Fob Programming | $75 | $130 | $220 |
| Safe Opening | $150 | $200 | $400+ |
What Affects Locksmith Costs?
1. Time of Day
This is the single biggest variable. Locksmiths who charge $130 for a daytime lockout will often charge $155–$205 for the same job at 11pm on a Saturday. Always ask explicitly about after-hours rates before they come out.
Typical after-hours surcharge: $25–$75 on top of the regular price.
2. Your Location
Locksmith prices vary significantly by city. New York City locksmiths charge 40–60% more than equivalent services in San Antonio or Memphis. This reflects higher overhead, parking, and labor costs — not necessarily better work.
Rough multipliers compared to the national average:
- New York City: 1.3x
- Los Angeles / San Francisco: 1.15x
- Chicago / Philadelphia: 0.95–1.0x
- Houston / Dallas / San Antonio: 0.80–0.85x
3. Lock Type and Complexity
A basic pin tumbler lock takes a skilled locksmith 2–5 minutes to open. A high-security Medeco or Abloy lock is a different story — they're designed to be difficult, and some locksmiths will need to drill rather than pick them.
- Standard pin tumbler lock: $89–$150 for a lockout
- Deadbolt (6-pin or 7-pin): $120–$200
- High-security lock (Medeco, Schlage Primus): $150–$350
- Commercial lock or access control: $200–$500+
4. Service Type
The actual work matters more than the lockout call:
- Lock picking / opening: Quick if it works, no damage to lock
- Bumping: Fast but can damage pin tumblers
- Drilling: Used when picking fails — you'll need a new lock ($100–$300 extra)
- Key cutting from lock (impressioning): $75–$150 for the key itself
The Service Call Fee — What It Is and Why It Matters
Almost every locksmith charges a service call fee (also called a call-out fee or trip charge) just to show up. This is separate from the actual work.
Typical service call fee: $50–$100
The problem is that many locksmiths advertise a low price that is the service call fee — and then quote the actual work separately on arrival. A "$35 lockout" headline becomes $35 + $120 labor once they're at your door.
How to avoid this: Ask one specific question before they come: "What will my total bill be?" — not "what's your rate" or "what's the call-out fee." Total. Bill. Get a number.
Red Flags That Signal a Scam
The Sub-$50 Quote
Legitimate locksmiths cannot profitably run a service call, pay for gas, insurance, and a licensed tech, and charge under $50 total. If someone quotes you $15–$45 over the phone, they are planning to dramatically increase the price once they arrive and have your car/house locked.
This is documented extensively by the FTC and consumer protection agencies. It's not rare — it's a specific business model.
Reluctance to Give a Total Price
A professional locksmith will give you a total price before arriving. If they say "I'll have to see it first" or "it depends on the job" for a standard lockout — that's a sign to call someone else.
Cash Only, No Receipt
Legitimate businesses accept cards and provide receipts. Cash-only locksmiths are often operating without proper licensing.
Can't Name Their Licence Number
Many states require locksmiths to be licensed. In Texas, California, New York, and others, asking for a licence number before work begins is completely normal and professional. If they can't provide one in a state that requires it, hang up.
Locksmith Prices by Service Type
Residential Locksmith Costs
| Job | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Lockout (standard lock) | $89–$150 |
| Lockout (deadbolt) | $120–$225 |
| Rekey home (per lock) | $50–$130 |
| Rekey home (full house, 4 locks) | $150–$400 |
| Install new deadbolt | $100–$200 + hardware |
| Replace door knob + deadbolt | $200–$400 |
| Master key system (home) | $200–$500 |
Automotive Locksmith Costs
| Job | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Car lockout | $50–$150 |
| Key cutting (standard) | $30–$80 |
| Transponder key programming | $150–$300 |
| Key fob replacement/programming | $75–$220 |
| Ignition repair | $150–$400 |
Commercial Locksmith Costs
| Job | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Commercial lockout | $150–$300 |
| Commercial rekey | $100–$250 |
| High-security lock install | $300–$800 |
| Panic bar / exit device | $400–$1,200 |
How to Get a Fair Price
- Call 2–3 locksmiths and ask for a total price — not a starting price, a total.
- Check Google reviews — specifically look for reviews with photos. Fake review operations rarely bother with photos.
- Ask for their licence number — in states that require it.
- Confirm they're a local business — ask for their physical address. A legitimate locksmith will give it without hesitation.
- Pay by card — it creates a paper trail and gives you chargeback rights if they dramatically exceeded the quote.
Does Insurance or Roadside Assistance Cover Locksmith Calls?
Sometimes yes. Check these before calling a locksmith:
- AAA membership — covers lockouts up to a set dollar amount (varies by membership tier)
- Car insurance — some comprehensive policies include roadside assistance with lockout coverage
- Home insurance — some policies cover emergency locksmith calls for home lockouts
- Credit cards — several premium cards include roadside assistance benefits
If you're not in an emergency and have time to check, a quick call to your insurance provider or AAA could save you $75–$150.
Summary: What's a Fair Locksmith Price?
| If you're paying... | It's probably... |
|---|---|
| Under $50 for a lockout | A red flag — expect a bait-and-switch |
| $89–$163 for a house lockout | Fair to good range |
| $164–$225 for a house lockout | High but not unusual in expensive cities |
| Over $300 for a basic lockout | Likely being overcharged |
| $50–$110 for a car lockout | Fair range |
| Over $200 for a basic car lockout | Overpaying |
The best protection against being overcharged is getting a total price commitment before the locksmith arrives — and using a directory like this one to compare multiple verified locksmiths before you call.