Bridge and Lock Tenders Salary Guide 2025: Median $57,700, Modest Decline Ahead
Bridge and lock tenders operate waterway gates, drawbridges, and locks to control vessel traffic. The median annual salary is $57,700, with a mean wage of $55,370 — about $28 per hour. Most earn between $28,090 (10th percentile) and $75,360 (90th percentile). The occupation employs just 3,040 people nationally, making it a small but steady field.
How much Bridge and Lock Tenders earn
Nationally, bridge and lock tenders earn a median of $57,700 per year. The mean hourly wage is approximately $28. Pay ranges widely: the bottom 10% earn $28,090 or less, while the top 10% bring home over $75,360.
Pay by state
The highest-paying states include Washington ($78,020), Mississippi ($74,730), Minnesota ($74,420), Missouri ($74,110), and California ($72,390). On the lower end, North Carolina ($41,380), Louisiana ($39,090), and Florida ($28,090) offer significantly less.
How to become a Bridge and Lock Tender
Most bridge and lock tender positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is typical, lasting a few months. Some employers may require a valid driver's license and passing a background check. For lock operations on federal waterways, mechanics or deckhand experience can be helpful. Advancement often requires a U.S. Coast Guard license or specific certifications.
- High school diploma or GED
- On-the-job training (typically 1–3 months)
- Valid driver's license and clean record often required
- Optional: Coast Guard license or maritime certifications for federal locks
Job outlook
Employment is projected to decline 3.3% from 2024 to 2034, resulting in about 300 job openings per year — mostly due to retirements and turnover. The decline reflects automation and consolidation of waterway operations. Still, because the occupation is tiny, competition may be moderate in certain regions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary of a bridge and lock tender?
The median annual salary is $57,700, with a range from $28,090 (10th percentile) to $75,360 (90th percentile).
How do I become a bridge and lock tender?
You need a high school diploma or equivalent. Most training is on-the-job, lasting a few months. A valid driver's license is often required; some positions prefer candidates with maritime experience or a Coast Guard license.
What is the job outlook for bridge and lock tenders?
Employment is expected to decline 3.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 300 openings per year. The decline is due to automation and consolidation.
Which states pay the most for bridge and lock tenders?
The highest-paying states are Washington ($78,020), Mississippi ($74,730), Minnesota ($74,420), Missouri ($74,110), and California ($72,390).
Where do bridge and lock tenders work?
They work at drawbridges, canal locks, and other waterways. Employers include state transportation departments, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, private marinas, and local governments.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Bridge and Lock Tenders data.