Bridge and Lock Tender Salary in 2026
How Much Do Bridge and Lock Tenders Make?
Bridge and Lock Tenders earn a median annual salary of $58,490 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $32,690 at the 10th percentile to $74,400 at the 90th percentile — a range of $41,710. The highest-paying state is Washington at $75,920.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $32,690 |
| 25th percentile | $43,700 |
| Median (50th) | $58,490 |
| 75th percentile | $69,530 |
| 90th percentile | $74,400 |
Bridge and Lock Tender Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| 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 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Bridge and Lock Tenders
Bridge and Lock Tender Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$32,690 – $43,700 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$58,490 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$69,530 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $74,400+ |
How to Earn More as a Bridge and Lock Tender
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Bridge and Lock Tenders in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earn $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. Reaching the 75th percentile ($69,530) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Bridge and Lock Tender Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Bridge and Lock Tenderthis career | $58,490 |
| Security Guard | $38,370 |
| Construction Equipment Operator | $58,710 |
| Highway Maintenance Worker | $49,070 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairer | $92,560 |
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SOC: 53-6011.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.