Careers · Bridge and Lock Tenders · California
Bridge and Lock Tenders in California
Bridge and lock tenders operate and maintain structures that control water passage on inland waterways, coastal areas, and shipping channels. They manage drawbridges, canal locks, and lighthouses, opening and closing gates or raising bridges to allow ships and boats through In California the median pay is $72,390 a year, 25% above the national median of $57,700.
$72,390median pay in California, per year
$52,800–$79,150middle half earn
80employed in California
$57,700U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against bridge and lock tenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against bridge and lock tenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
MonitoringActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingCoordinationOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlJudgment and Decision Making
Knowledge areas
Public Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguageTelecommunicationsEducation and TrainingTransportationCustomer and Personal Service
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Bridge and Lock Tenders.
Licenses and training in California
Bridge and Lock Tenders pay in other states
Washington · $78,020Mississippi · $74,730Minnesota · $74,420Missouri · $74,110Illinois · $70,890Iowa · $70,890Pennsylvania · $68,810Alabama · $66,830West Virginia · $65,460Indiana · $60,780
Related occupations
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Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against bridge and lock tenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against bridge and lock tenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-6011.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.