How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Locksmith? 2026 Cost Guide

How much does a locksmith cost in 2026?

A locksmith's quote is built from three parts: the call-out fee for coming to you, the labour on the job, and the cost of any locks, keys or parts. The call-out fee changes with the time of day:

• Business hours: a call-out of about $120 to $150
• After hours and weekends: about $150 to $250
• After midnight: about $250 to $350

Confirm whether labour and parts are additional. Opening a lock without replacing hardware is a different scope from drilling and fitting a new lock, so ask what work the quoted total covers.

These are approximate market estimates, not Service.com.au quote statistics or guaranteed charges. Fees vary by location and provider. Ask for the call-out, expected labour, parts and GST, and whether labour time is already included, before the locksmith sets off.

Locksmith call-out fees

The call-out fee covers the locksmith coming to you. Ask whether it includes any time on the job or whether labour is charged on top from the moment they arrive, because two quotes with the same call-out fee can end in different bills.

When you ring, ask for the call-out fee, how much work it includes, and whether an after-hours rate applies at the time they'll arrive. A locksmith based near you usually has less travel to charge for than one coming from across the city.

Emergency and after-hours locksmith costs

If you're locked out at night or on a weekend, expect the after-hours call-out of about $150 to $250, or about $250 to $350 after midnight.

If you are safe and can wait, ask whether a business-hours booking would avoid an after-hours charge. If a child is trapped in a car, call Triple Zero (000) for immediate help. For other lockouts, assess immediate safety first; do not wait for a routine locksmith appointment when someone is in danger.

How much does a locksmith cost to unlock a door or car?

To get you back into your house, a locksmith charges the call-out fee for the time of day plus the labour to open the lock. If they can pick or bypass the lock, the job is usually quicker than drilling it out. If it has to be drilled out, you'll also pay for a new lock.

Car lockouts work the same way. A locksmith who works on cars can usually open the door without a key, and the call-out fee still depends on the time of day. Replacing a lost or broken car key is a bigger job. Expect $150 to $500, depending on the make and model.

How much does it cost to change locks?

The cost of replacing a lock depends on the hardware and the work to fit it. Basic knob locks, high-security cylinders and electronic locks are different jobs, so ask for the lock model, installation and any door repairs to be priced separately.

If you've moved house or lost a key and the locks themselves are fine, ask about rekeying. The locksmith rearranges the pins inside the lock so the old keys stop working and gives you new keys to match. A skilled locksmith can rekey a lock in about 15 minutes, and you keep the hardware you already have.

For a basic duplicate key, allow about $4 to $20 as a broad market guide. Restricted, high-security and electronic keys can cost more or require proof of authorisation. Confirm the key type and price first.

Tip: Changing several locks at once? Ask for a price per lock and whether they can be keyed alike, so one key opens every door.

Why locksmith costs vary

• Time of day: after-hours, weekend and after-midnight call-outs cost more.
• Type of job: rekeying is usually cheaper than replacing the lock.
• Lock type: high-security and electronic locks cost more than basic locks.
• Distance: a locksmith who travels further usually charges more to get to you.
• Urgency: a faster response often comes at a higher price.

What does a locksmith do?

Locksmiths do far more than cut keys. If you've ever wondered what a locksmith is, these are the jobs most of them take on:

• Lockouts for homes, businesses and cars
• Supplying and installing locks for doors, windows and gates
• Electronic and smart locks
• Rekeying and key duplication
• Car key replacement for lost or broken keys
• Safe sales, servicing and opening
• 24/7 emergency call-outs

A locksmith can also walk through your home and tell you which doors and windows are easiest to get past, and what would fix them.

Helpful tips when hiring a locksmith

• Get quotes from a few local locksmiths and compare the call-out fee, the labour rate and the parts separately.
• Ask whether the rate changes outside business hours, and when the after-hours rate starts.
• Confirm whether the replacement lock or keys are included in the quote.
• Ask whether they hold public liability insurance, and whether they're a member of the Master Locksmiths Association.
• Check their licence where your state requires one.

Licensing depends on the state, the activity and any applicable exemptions. In NSW, a Class 2C Security Equipment Specialist licence covers locksmith work. Check the relevant regulator's requirements and the licence register where you live, rather than assuming one state's rules apply everywhere.

To find someone nearby, compare local locksmiths on Service.com.au.

DIY vs hiring a locksmith

You can fit a basic deadbolt yourself if you're handy with a drill and chisel. More complex work is better left to a locksmith, because a lock that's fitted badly can leave a door easier to force than before.

A locksmith can assess the lock, choose a suitable method and explain any likely damage before starting. If you are locked out, read what to do if you get locked out and describe the lock and door when you call.