Fair price check · Washington

What locksmiths should charge in Washington.

Fair billed labor here runs about $46–$82/hour, about 12% above the median US state. Every number below comes from what locksmiths and safe repairers actually earn in Washington; the math is on this page, in the open.

How much should locksmiths charge in Washington?

In Washington, locksmiths and safe repairers earn $23.23–$32.64 per hour (median $27.89, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025), about 12% 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 Washington runs about $46–$82 per hour. For example, rekey a house (up to 5 locks) is about $45–$165 in fair labor, before materials.

Fair price by job

Rekey a house (up to 5 locks)

$45$165
fair labor range · Washington

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

Typical labor: 1–2 hours at $46–$82/hr billed.

Home lockout

$25$80
fair labor range · Washington

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

Typical labor: 0.5–1 hours at $46–$82/hr billed.

The math, in the open: locksmiths and safe repairers in Washington earn $23.23–$32.64/hour (median $27.89) 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 $46–$82/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 Washington

Contractors register with L&I; the "Verify" tool shows bond, insurance and lawsuits against the bond. One of the best lookup tools in the country — use it.

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

Compare locksmiths rates across all states · all fair price checks