SOC 536011

Bridge and Lock Tenders

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. Includes drawbridge operators, lock operators, and slip bridge operators.

National Median

$58,490

per year

National Salary Overview

Median Annual

$58,490

Entry Level (10th pct)

$32,690

Experienced (90th pct)

$74,400

Total Employed

2,720

Salary Distribution

Salary percentiles show the range from entry-level (10th) to top earners (90th)

Salary by Experience Level

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range
Entry Level0-2 years experience	$32,690 - $43,700
Mid Career2-8 years experience	$43,700 - $69,530
Senior / Expert8+ years experience	$69,530 - $74,400

Highest Paying Locations for Bridge and Lock Tenders

Washington

$75,920

+29.8% vs national

St. Louis, MO-IL

$74,090

+26.7% vs national

Mississippi

$73,240

+25.2% vs national

Upper East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area

$73,240

+25.2% vs national

Minnesota

$72,960

+24.7% vs national

Bridge and Lock Tenders Salary by Location

Compare salaries across 38 metropolitan areas

Metropolitan Area	Median Salary	Employed
Washington	$75,920	50
St. Louis, MO-IL	$74,090	30
Mississippi	$73,240	50
Upper East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area	$73,240	40
Minnesota	$72,960	70
Missouri	$72,700	40
North Missouri nonmetropolitan area	$72,700	30
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN	$70,240	120
Iowa	$70,140	60
West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area	$70,140	30
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL	$69,530	40
Illinois	$69,530	290
Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area	$69,350	30
New Orleans-Metairie, LA	$68,430	40
Alabama	$68,000	60
Pittsburgh, PA	$67,500	110
Pennsylvania	$67,500	120
West Virginia	$65,460	60
Tennessee	$65,060	40
South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area	$65,020	30
Baton Rouge, LA	$64,730	40
Kentucky	$60,780	90
Texas	$59,300	70
California	$57,750	70
Michigan	$56,260	60
Ohio	$56,080	100
Wisconsin	$55,530	100
Massachusetts	$53,310	40
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ	$52,870	130
New York	$51,340	220
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH	$49,620	50
Indiana	$47,670	90
Cleveland, OH	$43,700	30
Florida	$42,470	180
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL	$38,360	60
Louisiana	$35,870	350
North Carolina	$33,970	N/A
Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area	$32,100	50

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a Bridge and Lock Tenders?

The national median annual salary for Bridge and Lock Tenders is $58,490, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This means half of workers in this occupation earn more, and half earn less.

Where do Bridge and Lock Tenderss earn the most?

The highest-paying metro area for Bridge and Lock Tenderss is Washington, with a median salary of $75,920.

How much can an experienced Bridge and Lock Tenders make?

Top-earning Bridge and Lock Tenderss (90th percentile) make $74,400 or more annually. This typically reflects workers with significant experience, specialized skills, or positions in high-paying regions.