A locksmith typically charges $100-$250 to install one standard deadbolt, with a national-style average near $175 when the door is already prepared. The deadbolt’s price, new drilling, door material, location, and after-hours service can push a job above $300.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard deadbolt installation | $75 | $175 | $300 | One lock; standard door and daytime appointment |
| Deadbolt hardware | $25 | $65 | $150 | Basic keyed model through premium grade |
| Labor | $60 | $110 | $200 | More if the door needs drilling or adjustment |
| Smart deadbolt installation | $150 | $275 | $500 | Includes lock and typical installation; setup varies |
| New bore or difficult door | $150 | $250 | $450 | May include drilling, reinforcement, or extra fitting |
What one deadbolt installation usually costs
For a standard keyed deadbolt fitted to a door with an existing, correctly sized hole, a common total is $100-$250. The average of about $175 assumes a basic-to-midrange lock, ordinary access, and a scheduled weekday visit. In this scenario, the contractor installs the hardware, aligns the bolt and strike plate, and checks operation.
Hardware alone generally runs $25-$150. A basic single-cylinder deadbolt is usually at the lower end; a higher-security model, decorative finish, or electronic keypad can cost more. Locksmith labor and service-call charges commonly add $60-$150, although some companies quote one combined installation price rather than separate line items.
For a prepared door and a standard keyed lock, budgeting $150-$225 is a practical starting point. A new hole, reinforced strike area, premium hardware, or a same-day emergency visit can take the bill to $250-$450 or more. Ask whether the quote includes the lock, trip fee, tax, and removal of old hardware.
Assumptions: One exterior residential door, common lock dimensions, standard hardware, normal access, and non-emergency service. Rates vary by city and door condition.
How hardware, drilling, and labor appear on a quote
A clear estimate separates the lock from the work needed to make it fit. If the door already has a suitable bore and the frame is sound, installation is relatively quick. If the technician must create a bore, enlarge an opening, correct a misaligned strike, or reinforce the jamb, the labor and materials increase.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the charge | Common unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard deadbolt hardware | $25-$90 | Brand, finish, security grade | Per lock |
| Premium or keypad lock | $80-$250 | Smart features, connectivity, finish | Per lock |
| Installation labor | $60-$150 | Door condition and fitting time | Per job |
| New door bore | $40-$125 | Door material, thickness, precision | Per opening |
| Strike plate or jamb reinforcement | $15-$100 | Basic plate versus reinforcement kit | Per door |
| Service call or trip fee | $25-$85 | Distance, company policy, appointment timing | Per visit |
These items may be bundled. For example, a locksmith may quote $175 for a basic lock installation including a standard deadbolt and labor, while another lists $65 for the lock, $95 for labor, and a $35 trip charge. Compare the final amount and included work rather than one line item alone.
For labor-only estimates, the underlying calculation is often 0.5-1.5 hours at roughly $75-$125 per hour, plus any trip fee. A new bore or door adjustment can extend the visit beyond that range.
Door thickness, bore size, and lock grade change the price
Existing preparation is one of the largest cost differences. If the door has the standard cross-bore and edge bore for the chosen lock, installation may take under an hour. A locksmith creating a new opening typically charges more because the hole must be centered, sized, and aligned with the latch and frame.
Many residential deadbolts fit doors about 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick, but some doors fall outside that range or need a compatible extension kit. An unusually thick door, narrow stile, glass panel, or metal skin can require special hardware or additional labor. Confirm compatibility before buying a lock, particularly for a patio or commercial-style door.
Lock grade and features also affect the total. A basic keyed deadbolt may cost $25-$60, while a heavier-duty or higher-security model often costs $60-$150. Keypad and connected smart deadbolts commonly cost $80-$250 before installation. A locksmith may charge more to configure access codes, pair an app, or troubleshoot an existing smart-home system.
A new bore can add about $40-$125, while door repair or reinforcement may add another $15-$100. If the jamb is split, the strike plate is loose, or the door does not close squarely, installation alone may not resolve the security or operation problem. Request separate prices for the lock, fitting, and frame work.
How long the locksmith visit takes and when labor rises
A straightforward replacement or installation using an existing opening generally takes 30-60 minutes. Installing a deadbolt in a door without a bore may take 60-120 minutes, especially if the frame needs adjustment or the door’s construction makes drilling slower. A second lock on the same visit may take less time than a separate appointment, though the price is not always exactly half.
Many locksmiths use a minimum service charge, often $75-$150 before hardware, to cover travel and the first portion of labor. Ask whether the fee is credited toward installation. Hourly rates can be useful for unusual repairs, but a fixed written quote is easier to compare for a standard job.
Urgent service can add $50-$150 or more, particularly at night, on weekends, or during holidays. Some providers charge a higher minimum rather than a separate emergency surcharge. A scheduled appointment during normal business hours is usually less expensive when the door can be secured safely until the visit.
For a routine job, plan on about one hour onsite; allow two hours when drilling or door correction is involved. The time estimate should describe the work, not just the locksmith’s arrival window. Confirm whether extra labor requires approval before it is added to the bill.
Steel, wood, and older doors have different installation needs
Wood entry doors are often the least complicated when they are in good condition and have standard dimensions. A basic installation may remain within the $100-$250 range. Dense hardwood can take longer to drill, while a damaged edge or uneven frame may require fitting or repair.
Steel doors can have a metal skin, internal reinforcement, or a preformed lock opening. If the opening matches the deadbolt, installation can be similar to a standard job. If it does not, specialized tools or a compatible lock may be necessary; the total may rise to $175-$350. A locksmith should inspect the door or ask for photos before promising a firm price.
Older doors may have nonstandard bore spacing, worn holes, loose trim, or a jamb that has shifted. Adapting a new lock to an old opening can cost $150-$350, depending on whether the work involves only fitting or includes frame repair. Glass doors and narrow-stile doors may need a specific lock design rather than a conventional residential deadbolt.
Door condition matters as much as the lock price. If a door is warped or will not latch reliably, correcting its alignment may be needed before the bolt can operate smoothly. Request an itemized estimate that identifies any repair as separate from installing the deadbolt.
Urban and rural locksmith rates differ by market
Pricing is often higher in major metropolitan areas than in smaller towns because of labor rates, travel time, and operating costs. A standard installation in a lower-cost market may land near $100-$190, while a comparable job in a high-cost city may be $150-$300. These are broad comparisons, not guaranteed regional price schedules.
Rural customers may face a modest installation rate but a larger travel charge when the locksmith is coming from outside the immediate area. A trip fee of $25-$85 is common in many estimates; long-distance travel, limited provider availability, or a minimum charge can raise the visit total. Ask whether mileage is included in the quote.
For a useful local comparison, collect two or three all-in quotes for the same lock type and door condition. Share the door material, thickness if known, whether a deadbolt hole already exists, and the preferred hardware. Without those details, one quote may include drilling while another assumes the opening is ready.
Confirm that the provider is licensed or registered where local rules require it, carries appropriate insurance, and gives a written price before work begins. The lowest advertised service-call price may not include installation, hardware, or a required minimum labor charge.
Standard keyed locks cost less than smart deadbolts
A conventional single-cylinder deadbolt is generally the lowest-cost option for an exterior residential door. Hardware around $25-$90 plus standard labor often produces a $100-$250 total. A double-cylinder model, which uses a key on both sides, may cost more and can raise safety concerns where local fire rules restrict it; check local requirements before selecting one.
Smart deadbolt hardware commonly costs $80-$250, and a complete locksmith-installed job often totals $150-$400. The upper end is more likely when the lock needs a new bore, a compatible adapter, app setup, or troubleshooting. If the door already has a compatible opening, installation can stay closer to the lower end.
Replacing a working lock with a new finish or electronic feature is different from repairing a loose or misaligned deadbolt. A small adjustment or strike-plate repair may cost $50-$150, depending on the service-call minimum. If the lock is mechanically sound and only the key has been lost, rekeying may cost about $20-$50 per cylinder, plus a trip charge, rather than buying a new lock.
Choose the least expensive option that solves the actual problem. A keypad upgrade adds convenience but is not necessary when a standard keyed lock meets the household’s needs. For an existing lock that still operates correctly, ask whether adjustment or rekeying can avoid replacement expense.
Control the quote by choosing hardware and scope first
Buyers can reduce surprises by deciding whether the job is a new installation, a replacement, a rekey, or a repair before booking. Send photos of both sides of the door, its edge, and the frame. Include the lock model if already purchased. This helps the locksmith identify incompatible hardware or a likely need for drilling before arriving.
Compare the same scope across quotes. One estimate may include a deadbolt and strike plate; another may cover labor only. Ask for the installed total, the service-call fee, the price of extra drilling, and the charge for any frame reinforcement. Also ask whether old hardware removal and disposal are included, even though small lock parts rarely carry a major disposal fee.
Choosing a standard finish and conventional keyed model can avoid premium hardware charges. If a lock is being purchased separately, verify its door-thickness range, backset, bore size, and handing where relevant. A mismatched lock can lead to return costs or additional labor, erasing any savings from a lower online price.
Schedule non-emergency work during normal business hours and authorize extra work before it starts. If more than one deadbolt needs attention, ask for a combined visit price. Bundling may reduce repeated trip charges, but each lock can still require its own hardware and installation labor.
Do not skip necessary frame repair simply to lower the initial quote. A deadbolt that does not extend fully into a sound strike area may not work as intended. Instead, ask the locksmith to separate essential repairs from optional upgrades and explain the cost of each choice.