Fair price check · District of Columbia

What locksmiths should charge in District of Columbia.

Fair billed labor here runs about $70–$103/hour, about 49% above the median US state. Every number below comes from what locksmiths and safe repairers actually earn in District of Columbia; the math is on this page, in the open.

How much should locksmiths charge in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia, locksmiths and safe repairers earn $34.81–$41.28 per hour (median $36.89, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025), about 49% 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 District of Columbia runs about $70–$103 per hour. For example, rekey a house (up to 5 locks) is about $70–$200 in fair labor, before materials.

Fair price by job

Rekey a house (up to 5 locks)

$70–$200
fair labor range · District of Columbia

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

Typical labor: 1–2 hours at $70–$103/hr billed.

Home lockout

$35–$105
fair labor range · District of Columbia

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

Typical labor: 0.5–1 hours at $70–$103/hr billed.

The math, in the open: locksmiths and safe repairers in District of Columbia earn $34.81–$41.28/hour (median $36.89) 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 $70–$103/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 District of Columbia

Home improvement contractors and specialty trades are licensed by the District.

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

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