Bridge and Lock Tenders: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Bridge and Lock Tenders fall under the Transportation and Material Moving category in the U.S. occupational classification. Bridge and Lock Tenders earn a median salary of $57,700 per year, ranking in the top 56% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects -2.3% job growth through 2035, projected to lose jobs through 2035. Entry into this field typically requires a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, certifications, or postsecondary credentials, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do bridge and lock tenders earn?

The median annual wage for bridge and lock tenders is $57,700. That puts bridge and lock tenders at #462 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is bridge and lock tenders a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for bridge and lock tenders is -2.3%, projected to lose jobs through 2035. Employment is projected to move from approximately 3K positions in 2024 to 3K in 2034, a net change of <1K. A declining outlook does not mean the field is disappearing; it means automation, demographics, or substitution effects are shrinking the pool of openings. Students entering a declining field should plan for adjacent skills that transfer to growing roles.

What education does my child need to become bridge and lock tender?

Many bridge and lock tenders enter the field with a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, though employers increasingly favor candidates with certifications or some postsecondary coursework. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Airfield Operations Specialists
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• Hoist and Winch Operators
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• Rail Transportation Workers, All Other
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• Sailors and Marine Oilers
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• Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
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• Dredge Operators
  $49,640 median

Common questions parents ask about bridge and lock tenders