A locksmith remains one of the most important professional services in Canada. From houses and businesses to safes and cars, we all need locks – and so, we all need someone to repair, change, or simply open those locks.
But how much should you expect to pay for a locksmith? Whether you’re locked out and in an emergency, or planning to change the locks on your new home, this guide helps you understand how much you should be paying for a locksmith and the expertise they bring.
What Is the Average Cost for a Locksmith in 2025?
A locksmith in Canada typically charges about $150 per callout, with the average range between $80 and $250. However, that naturally depends on a few things, such as the time of day, the type of lock, and how far the locksmith has to travel.
This can range from around $50 for having one lock picked in a non-emergency, to $500 to reprogram a keypad- or biometric-style electronic lock.
In certain parts of the country, the average cost for a locksmith spikes slightly. For example, in the GTA and Vancouver, locksmith prices might skew closer to $170 per callout. Much of this is due to greater population density and the resulting increase in demand.
What Affects Locksmith Pricing? Key Cost Factors Explained
1. Time of Day (After-Hours, Emergency, Holidays)
Locking yourself out of your home may well happen outside of regular business hours – usually when you’re on your way to work or setting off on the school run. And sometimes you need extra services around the holidays, too. At these times, a locksmith’s rate will be higher or include a surcharge.
2. Type of Lock or Entry Problem
Some of the problems locksmiths are called to solve are relatively simple to fix; others, less so. Naturally, more complex issues require more time. This is mainly dependent on the type of lock (e.g., electronic vs. manual) and the entry problem – can the locksmith just pick the lock, or do they need to replace the whole thing?
3. Location and Local Travel Fees
Some locksmiths charge a set fee for each callout within their service area. However, if you live farther away, such as in a rural location, expect an additional mileage fee. This increases your cost because the locksmith has to travel farther to reach you and resolve your issue.
4. Level of Expertise or Certification
As with any profession, you’ll find locksmiths with varying levels of expertise, certifications, and experience. More experienced and niche locksmiths tend to charge more for their services. However, the problem is more likely to be solved quickly, efficiently, and professionally.
Hourly Rates: How Much Does a Locksmith Charge Per Hour?
Locksmiths typically use two pricing schemes: a flat fee or an hourly rate. In most cases, they’ll use a flat fee for residential jobs, as these tend to be relatively straightforward and predictable. More complex callouts, such as for smart locks or commercial hardware, may be billed at an hourly rate because the time required can vary significantly. These usually come with a cap, so a customer always knows the upper limit of what they might have to pay.
The vast majority of locksmiths charge an additional callout or minimum fee. This covers costs like fuel, vehicle maintenance, and the initial inspection. This is usually billed as a flat fee, unless the locksmith structures it as a ‘minimum hourly rate’. For example, there may be a minimum charge of one hour, even if the job itself took only 45 minutes.
The locksmith will then add the hourly rate or fixed charges to their minimum callout fee. Across Canada, locksmith hourly rates can vary widely, but expect $50 to $100 per hour for non-emergency work and emergency locksmith rates between $150 to $200 per hour.
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Safe?
So, how much does a locksmith cost to open a safe? Well, if you need a locksmith to get back into your safe, don’t worry – they can certainly help. The cost depends on what it is they need to do.
For example, a locksmith will usually charge around $150 to open a manual lock. However, if you have a more complex safe, the locksmith may need to drill into the lock. This adds additional complications, and the total cost is likely to rise to between $250 and $450.
Safes with electronic locks require a completely different approach. Instead of picking the lock or drilling through it, the locksmith needs to decode it. This can be more expensive, typically between $400 and $500, thanks to the complexity involved.
Locksmith Pricing for Common Residential Services
House Lockouts
A house lockout is most likely to happen at the most unusual – and interrupting – time of day possible. That means there’s usually an additional callout or emergency rate. Picking the lock and getting you back into your home usually costs an average of $130 to $150 nationwide.
Rekeying or Replacing Locks
When you need to rekey or replace your locks, you’ll call a locksmith. For the first lock, a realistic band for most cities is around $80 to $160. Assuming the locksmith is already on-site at your home, expect to pay between $25 and $50 per additional lock.
Installing Deadbolts or Smart Locks
Deadbolts are relatively simple for locksmiths to install. The cost of locksmith work like this typically ranges from $45 to $75 per door.
Smart locks, on the other hand, can be highly complex. A locksmith needs proficiency in coding and decoding to work with them. In most cases, you should expect to pay up to $500 for smart lock installation, including biometric, Wi-Fi, RFID, and Bluetooth locks.
Final Thoughts
Here at Primary Locksmith, we’re committed to providing trustworthy and transparent customer service. That’s why we’ll even waive our $29 service fee whenever you choose to proceed with a job. Contact your local locksmith by calling us now to request a commitment-free quote!