Bridge and Lock Tenders Salary
The median bridge and lock tenders salary in the United States is $57,700 per year ($27.74/hour). Salaries range from $28,090 at the entry level to $75,360+ for the top 10% of earners. There are 3,040 bridge and lock tenders jobs nationwide. Employment is projected to decline 3.3% through 2034.
Last updated: June 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median Salary
$57,700
per year
Hourly Rate
$27.74
per hour
Employment
3,040
jobs in the U.S.
Salary Distribution
10th percentile
$28,090
25th percentile
$38,640
Median
$57,700
75th percentile
$69,620
90th percentile
$75,360
Job Growth (2024-2034)
-3.3%
Decline
Annual Openings
300
jobs/year (growth + replacements)
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Training Needed
Short-term on-the-job training
Bridge and Lock Tenders Salary by State
Best Cities (cost-adjusted) →Salary Map — Click a state for details
$28K$78K■ No data
Top Paying States
Washington
$78K
+35%
Mississippi
$75K
+30%
Minnesota
$74K
+29%
Missouri
$74K
+28%
California
$72K
+25%
Illinois
$71K
+23%
Iowa
$71K
+23%
Pennsylvania
$69K
+19%
Alabama
$67K
+16%
West Virginia
$65K
+13%
Vertical line = national median. Click a state for full details.
| State | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $78,020 | +35.2% |
| Mississippi | $74,730 | +29.5% |
| Minnesota | $74,420 | +29.0% |
| Missouri | $74,110 | +28.4% |
| California | $72,390 | +25.5% |
| Illinois | $70,890 | +22.9% |
| Iowa | $70,890 | +22.9% |
| Pennsylvania | $68,810 | +19.3% |
| Alabama | $66,830 | +15.8% |
| West Virginia | $65,460 | +13.4% |
Showing 1–10 of 23
Bridge and Lock Tenders Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Lafayette, LA | $75,340 | +30.6% |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $74,480 | +29.1% |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $73,110 | +26.7% |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $70,890 | +22.9% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $69,970 | +21.3% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $68,810 | +19.3% |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $54,720 | -5.2% |
| Cleveland, OH | $44,500 | -22.9% |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $39,110 | -32.2% |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $35,000 | -39.3% |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Data reflects the most recent annual survey.
How does this compare to pro athletes?
A bridge and lock tenders earning $57,700/year would need 1033 years to match Stephen Curry's NBA salary, or 1109 yearsto match Patrick Mahomes' NFL contract.
See all sports & celebrity salaries →📈 See how bridge and lock tenders salaries have changed over the past decade.
View Bridge and Lock Tenders salary trend (2011–2024) →