Bridge and Lock Tender Salary
Bridge and Lock Tenders earn a median $57,700 a year nationally. Transportation and Material Moving Occupations
What bridge and lock tenders do
Operate and tend bridges, canal locks, and lighthouses to permit marine passage on inland waterways, near shores, and at danger points in waterway passages. May supervise such operations.
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- -2.3% (declining)
- Openings per year
- 300
Employment of bridge and lock tenders is projected to shrink 2.3% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 300 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Bridge and Lock Tender take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$4,744
- Social Security (6.2%)$3,577
- Medicare (1.45%)$837
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$48,542
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,090 | $13.50 | $24,742 |
| 25th percentile | $38,640 | $18.58 | $33,227 |
| Median (50th) | $57,700 | $27.74 | $48,542 |
| 75th percentile | $69,620 | $33.47 | $57,808 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $75,360 | $36.23 | $61,846 |
Bridge and Lock Tender salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $78,020 | +2.8% | $63,717 | $70,260 – $83,930 | 50 |
| Mississippi | $74,730 | +2.0% | $59,145 | $31,250 – $74,730 | 50 |
| Minnesota | $74,420 | +2.0% | $57,647 | $63,810 – $77,710 | 60 |
| Missouri | $74,110 | +1.9% | $58,421 | $63,360 – $78,460 | 40 |
| California | $72,390 | +25.4% | $56,236 | $48,440 – $86,960 | 80 |
| Illinois | $70,890 | +2.0% | $55,337 | $55,190 – $86,390 | 290 |
| Iowa | $70,890 | +1.1% | $56,659 | $63,360 – $74,420 | 50 |
| Pennsylvania | $68,810 | +1.9% | $55,125 | $61,570 – $72,920 | 110 |
| Alabama | $66,830 | −1.7% | $52,768 | $49,900 – $74,730 | 70 |
| West Virginia | $65,460 | +0.0% | $52,557 | $60,760 – $69,620 | 60 |
| Indiana | $60,780 | +27.5% | $49,253 | $48,420 – $71,610 | 60 |
| Tennessee | $60,420 | −7.1% | $50,727 | $49,900 – $65,060 | 60 |
| Ohio | $58,410 | +4.2% | $48,289 | $44,500 – $72,920 | 110 |
| Kentucky | $58,220 | −4.2% | $47,040 | $47,410 – $71,610 | 100 |
| Wisconsin | $57,350 | +3.3% | $46,518 | $41,260 – $75,000 | 110 |
| Massachusetts | $55,830 | +4.7% | $44,468 | $48,050 – $68,710 | 40 |
| New York | $51,560 | +0.4% | $41,421 | $32,240 – $71,360 | 210 |
| Michigan | $50,540 | −10.2% | $40,892 | $32,210 – $75,520 | 130 |
| Virginia | $47,120 | — | $38,146 | $38,160 – $78,100 | 40 |
| Texas | $45,820 | −22.7% | $38,996 | $31,850 – $74,240 | 70 |
| North Carolina | $41,380 | +21.8% | $34,286 | $34,230 – $45,860 | 50 |
| Louisiana | $39,090 | +9.0% | $32,802 | $33,390 – $81,100 | 370 |
| Florida | $28,090 | −33.9% | $24,742 | $27,040 – $50,640 | 470 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Technician | $59,090 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.0% |
| Transportation Workers, All Other | $45,650 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.0% |
| Aircraft Service Attendant | $40,450 | High school diploma or equivalent | +5.6% |
| Passenger Attendant | $37,720 | High school diploma or equivalent | +6.0% |
| Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendant | $35,670 | No formal educational credential | +3.8% |
| Parking Attendant | $35,150 | No formal educational credential | +2.0% |
| Transportation Inspector | $92,100 | High school diploma or equivalent | +2.2% |
| Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisor | $58,170 | High school diploma or equivalent | +9.2% |
| Airfield Operations Specialist | $56,850 | High school diploma or equivalent | +7.8% |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver | $58,640 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +3.8% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a bridge and lock tender make?
The national median salary for bridge and lock tenders is $57,700 a year ($27.74 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $28,090 and the top 10% earn over $75,360. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays bridge and lock tenders the most?
Washington has the highest median pay at $78,020.
How many bridge and lock tenders are there in the U.S.?
About 3,040 people work as bridge and lock tenders nationwide.