Fair price check · Illinois

What locksmiths should charge in Illinois.

Fair billed labor here runs about $36–$79/hour, about 13% above the median US state. Every number below comes from what locksmiths and safe repairers actually earn in Illinois; the math is on this page, in the open.

How much should locksmiths charge in Illinois?

In Illinois, locksmiths and safe repairers earn $18.01–$31.53 per hour (median $27.94, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025), about 13% 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 Illinois runs about $36–$79 per hour. For example, rekey a house (up to 5 locks) is about $35–$160 in fair labor, before materials.

Fair price by job

Rekey a house (up to 5 locks)

$35–$160
fair labor range · Illinois

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

Typical labor: 1–2 hours at $36–$79/hr billed.

Home lockout

$20–$80
fair labor range · Illinois

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

Typical labor: 0.5–1 hours at $36–$79/hr billed.

The math, in the open: locksmiths and safe repairers in Illinois earn $18.01–$31.53/hour (median $27.94) 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 $36–$79/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 Illinois

No statewide general contractor license — cities license GCs (Chicago has its own system). Roofing contractors are state-licensed, and that one is worth checking every time.

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

Find locksmiths near you in Illinois

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