How to Become a Bridge and Lock Tender in 2026
Median salary: $58,490 · -3.3% projected decline (2024–2034)
What does a Bridge and Lock Tender 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. Includes drawbridge operators, lock operators, and slip bridge operators.
Bridge and Lock Tender Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Bridge and Lock Tenders is $58,490. The bottom 10% earn around $32,690 while the top 10% earn over $74,400.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $32,690 |
| Early career (P25) | $43,700 |
| Median | $58,490 |
| Experienced (P75) | $69,530 |
| Top earners (P90) | $74,400 |
Highest-paying metros
Bridge and Lock Tender salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $75,920 |
| Mississippi | $73,240 |
| Minnesota | $72,960 |
| Missouri | $72,700 |
| Iowa | $70,140 |
| Illinois | $69,530 |
| Alabama | $68,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $67,500 |
| West Virginia | $65,460 |
| Tennessee | $65,060 |
| Kentucky | $60,780 |
| Texas | $59,300 |
| California | $57,750 |
| Michigan | $56,260 |
| Ohio | $56,080 |
| Wisconsin | $55,530 |
| Massachusetts | $53,310 |
| New York | $51,340 |
| Indiana | $47,670 |
| Florida | $42,470 |
| Louisiana | $35,870 |
| North Carolina | $33,970 |
How to earn more as a Bridge and Lock Tender
The salary range for Bridge and Lock Tenders spans $41,710 — from $32,690 at entry level to $74,400 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN at $70,240 — $11,750 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
On-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training
Starting from high school
- Complete on-the-job training (short-term on-the-job training)
- Earn industry-recognized certifications (CDL, HAZMAT endorsement, forklift certification (OSHA))
- Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
- Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
- Advance to journeyman level or specialized role
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training programs run 3–8 weeks and cost $3K–$7K. Many trucking companies offer free CDL training in exchange for a 1-year employment commitment. Forklift certification (OSHA-compliant) takes 1–2 days. HAZMAT endorsement requires a written test and background check. Start with your state's DMV for CDL testing requirements.
Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.
Switching from another career
- Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
- Complete a short certification or orientation program (CDL, HAZMAT endorsement, forklift certification (OSHA))
- Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
- Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
- Advance faster than new entrants using your professional experience
Driving experience of any kind transfers directly. If you hold a regular driver's license with a clean record, you're already partially qualified. Many trucking companies and delivery companies hire career changers with no prior commercial driving experience and provide all necessary training, often at no cost to you. Warehouse experience, logistics knowledge, and customer service skills are all valued by employers in this field.
Certification costs are typically self-funded, but some employers reimburse. Union programs are paid positions.
Already working in another career?
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The Bridge and Lock Tender role faces above-average AI exposure. Some tasks are increasingly automatable, but the role is evolving rather than disappearing.
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Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Bridge and Lock Tender.
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SOC: 53-6011.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034