Fair price check · California

What locksmiths should charge in California.

Fair billed labor here runs about $48–$97/hour, about 18% above the median US state. Every number below comes from what locksmiths and safe repairers actually earn in California; the math is on this page, in the open.

How much should locksmiths charge in California?

In California, locksmiths and safe repairers earn $23.99–$38.72 per hour (median $29.33, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025), about 18% above the median US state for this trade. A legitimate business bills 2–2.5× wages to cover payroll taxes, insurance, equipment, overhead and profit, so fair billed labor in California runs about $48–$97 per hour. For example, rekey a house (up to 5 locks) is about $50–$195 in fair labor, before materials.

Fair price by job

Rekey a house (up to 5 locks)

$50–$195
fair labor range · California

That assumes standard pin-tumbler locks, one keyway; smart locks and high-security cylinders differ.

Typical labor: 1–2 hours at $48–$97/hr billed.

Home lockout

$25–$95
fair labor range · California

That assumes a daytime, non-emergency arrival; after-hours surcharges should be stated before dispatch, not after.

Typical labor: 0.5–1 hours at $48–$97/hr billed.

The math, in the open: locksmiths and safe repairers in California earn $23.99–$38.72/hour (median $29.33) per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. A legitimate business bills 2–2.5× wages to cover payroll taxes, insurance, equipment, overhead and profit, which puts fair billed labor at $48–$97/hour. Each job range above multiplies that rate by typical labor-hours. A quote far above the range needs a specific reason: access, condition, materials grade, season. Ask for it. This is an educational estimate, not a quote.

Before you hire in California

Any job of $1,000 or more (labor and materials) requires a CSLB license. The lookup shows classification, bond, workers' comp and disciplinary actions — check all four.

How to verify a California license · how to get comparable bids · track your quotes side by side (free, no account).

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