It’s time for our annual National Average Price Survey. Every year, we poll locksmiths about their charges and pricing strategies in an effort to provide some price-setting guidance. We’ve tried to streamline the survey this year, eliminating items such as fees for duplicating unusual keys, because no one makes a good living by cutting keys to a suitcase, for example.

Take the survey

We realize that we are comparing apples to oranges at times, especially when it comes to bigger projects and installations. While it’s relatively easy to quote a set price for a simple rekey, larger jobs will require a site visit to determine the manpower, hours and products needed. Please share any input and suggestions, both positive and negative. Tell us what else we should be asking. The survey is anonymous, and your comments are valuable. We want this survey to be as helpful as possible to our readers.  

In 2023, service calls during regular hours averaged $90 and hourly rates during regular hours averaged $95. The highest priced automotive job was that all keys lost situation, averaging $240. On the installation front, automatic door operator installations, $410, and vertical rod exit devices, $372, were the highest-priced jobs.  Take a look at our full 2023 results.

Economic factors also play a role, so we added a question about price increases. Nearly every lock, key blank and tool costs more this year than in the past, due to inflation. Gasoline prices remain relatively high, especially on the West Coast and in northeastern urban areas. We would assume locksmiths have been forced to pass on some of these price increases to their customers. We’ll delve deeper into these economic issues in our 2024 State of the Industry report later this year.

Thank you for taking the time to fill out our survey! If you are attending ALOA next month, please stop by the Locksmith Ledger booth and talk to us about your business.

Emily Pike