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Bridge and Lock Tenders Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Bridge and Lock Tenders make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$72,390
Median Annual Salary
▲ +25.4% vs 2024
$68,070
Mean Salary
$72,390
Median Salary
$34.80
Hourly Rate
80 people work as Bridge and Lock Tenders in California

Bridge and Lock Tenders salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Bridge and Lock Tenders salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Bridge and Lock Tenders in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $48,440$48,44025th25% earn less than $52,800$52,800MedianHalf earn more than $72,390$72,39075th75% earn less than $79,150$79,15090thTop 10% earn more than $86,960$86,960

Bridge and Lock Tenders in California earn a median salary of $72,390 per year ($6,032/month). This is 21.4% above the national average of $59,616. California ranks #5 out of 23 states for Bridge and Lock Tenders pay. Approximately 80 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 25.4% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Bridge and Lock Tenders

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.

Top Skills

Monitoring
3.25
Active Listening
3.0
Speaking
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0
Coordination
3.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Public Safety and Security
3.42
English Language
3.26
Telecommunications
2.95
Education and Training
2.89
Transportation
2.84
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (65.0% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Bridge and Lock Tenders in California

Salaries for Bridge and Lock Tenders in California range from $48,440 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $86,960 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $52,800 and $79,150.

Median $72,390
P10: $48,440 P25: $52,800 P75: $79,150 P90: $86,960
10th
$48,440
25th
$52,800
Median
$72,390
75th
$79,150
90th
$86,960
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $48,440 $23.29 $4,036
25th Percentile $52,800 $25.38 $4,400
Median (50th) $72,390 $34.80 $6,032
75th Percentile $79,150 $38.05 $6,595
90th Percentile (Experienced) $86,960 $41.81 $7,246

Note: The mean (average) salary of $68,070 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#5
California ranks #5 of 23 states
$59,616
National avg. for Bridge and Lock Tenders
+21.4%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Bridge and Lock Tenders salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Bridge and Lock Tenders take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Bridge and Lock Tenders Data in California

Bridge and Lock Tenders Salary by State

Compare Bridge and Lock Tenders pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Bridge and Lock Tenders make in California?
The median annual salary for Bridge and Lock Tenders in California is $72,390 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $68,070.
What is the salary range for a Bridge and Lock Tenders in California?
Salaries for Bridge and Lock Tenders in California range from $48,440 at the 10th percentile to $86,960 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $52,800 and $79,150.
What is the starting salary for a Bridge and Lock Tenders in California?
Entry-level Bridge and Lock Tenders positions in California typically start around $48,440 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $52,800 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Bridge and Lock Tenders in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 80 people are employed as Bridge and Lock Tenders in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Bridge and Lock Tenders in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Bridge and Lock Tenders in California is approximately $34.80 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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