Cost Guide
Locksmith Costs in Australia
Understand typical locksmith costs, key price drivers, and after-hours pricing before you request quotes.
Know what you should be paying
Describe your job and get an instant estimate — then compare quotes from local locksmiths.
Hourly rate
$130/hr
Call-out fee
$95
After-hours
1.5x – 2.0x
Price Ranges
Common locksmith jobs & costs
Prices based on Australia market data. Most jobs are quoted as fixed price rather than hourly.
Change Locks$410 – $1,483
Lock mechanism typeDoor and frame conditionSmart and high-security hardwareCustomer-supplied hardwareCall-out, labour and timing
Deadbolt Lock Repair$365 – $1,130
Deadbolt Installation$290 – $1,925
Door material and security screensNew hole vs existing boreCallout and after-hours timingExtra carpentry or metalwork required
Lock Repair$290 – $808
Lock type and mechanismCompliance or certified door requirementsCallout fee and labour timeNeed for door or frame remediationTiming and after-hours attendance
Emergency Lockout$180 – $490
Entry method: destructive or non‑destructiveLock type and security levelReplacement parts and gradeNumber of doors and keyed systemsTiming and site access
General & other locksmith jobs$305 – $770
Installation type and preparationExisting mounting and fitmentHardware security and partsDoor and frame conditionTiming, callout and attendance
Rekey Locks$335 – $1,220
Cylinder accessibility and conditionBroken-key extraction complexityMortice and heavy-duty locksRestricted or specialised partsCallout, labour and timing
Smart Lock Installation$890 – $5,375
Door material and constructionLock type and mechanismHardware supply and compatibilityNeed for door modificationTiming, call‑out and after‑hours
Smart Lock Repair$350 – $1,130
Prices are indicative and based on typical jobs in the Australia area. Your actual quote may differ based on specific job requirements. Get a personalised estimate for your job, then matched tradies can reach out to quote.
Licensing & Compliance
Locksmith licensing requirements
Locksmith is regulated in Australia. Requirements vary by state. Here's what to know before hiring.
What to look for
- Valid state security licence number displayed on quotes and advertising
- ABN with active GST registration
- Public liability insurance ($5M minimum)
- Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia (MLAA) membership or Locksmiths Guild of Australia (LGA) membership
- Certificate III in Locksmithing qualification
Requirements by state
New South Wales — Security Licence Class 2C (Security Equipment Specialist — Locksmith) / Master Licence required · Verify
Victoria — Private Security Business Licence (Locksmith category) required · Verify
Queensland — Security Provider Licence Class 2 / Security Firm Licence required · Verify
Western Australia — Security Installer Licence Class 1 (Locksmith) / Security Agent Licence required · Verify
South Australia — Security Agent Licence (Technical) required · Verify
Tasmania — Security Agent Licence (Body Corporate) / Security Employee Licence required · Verify
Northern Territory — Private Security Licence — Class 2 (Technical) / Security Firm Licence required · Verify
Australian Capital Territory — Security Industry Master Licence / Security Industry Employee Licence required · Verify
Common Questions
Locksmith pricing FAQ
How much do locksmiths typically charge?
Costs vary depending on the job — a simple key cut or rekey is usually much less than emergency entry or full hardware replacement. This page shows live pricing for local providers to help you compare options. Many locksmiths charge a call-out fee plus an hourly labour rate and materials, and after-hours or emergency work generally attracts higher rates.
Do locksmiths charge call-out fees?
Call-out fees are common and typically cover travel and the initial assessment. This fee is usually separate from labour and materials and may apply even for quick or small jobs. It's worth confirming any call-out or minimum charge when getting quotes.
Do locksmiths need a licence in Australia?
Yes. Locksmithing is a licensed occupation across Australia, and in NSW licences are issued by the NSW Police Force — Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate (SLED). You should expect a provider to display a valid state security licence number and to hold industry credentials such as MLAA, LGA or ASIAL membership, a Certificate III in Locksmithing, an ABN with GST registration and appropriate public liability insurance.
How accurate is the instant estimate?
Our estimates are built from research across thousands of local jobs and real pricing data. Use them as a guide when speaking to locksmiths — your actual quote will depend on your specific job.
How many quotes will I get?
We'll match you with up to 3 locksmiths initially. If you'd like more options, you can request additional matches.
Do I pay anything to get quotes?
No — the service is 100% free for homeowners.
Why do you need photos?
Clear photos cut surprises and price blowouts, saving you money.
Get a personalised estimate for your job
These are general ranges. Describe your job, get a tailored estimate in seconds — then matched local locksmiths reach out to quote.