CDCareer Decision

Bridge and Lock Tenders Salary in IA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Bridge and Lock Tenders in IA have a median annual salary of $70,890, with 50 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $63,360 at the 10th percentile to $74,420 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$70,890

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$34.08

Employment

50

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$63,360
10th
$66,410
25th
$70,890
Median
$74,110
75th
$74,420
90th

Local compared with national

IA

$70,890

Median annual · 2025

United States

$57,700

Median annual · 2025

The IA median is 22.9% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $13,190).

Top skills

  1. 1.MonitoringImportance 3.3
  2. 2.Active ListeningImportance 3.0
  3. 3.SpeakingImportance 3.0
  4. 4.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.0
  5. 5.CoordinationImportance 3.0
  6. 6.Operations MonitoringImportance 3.0
  7. 7.Operation and ControlImportance 3.0
  8. 8.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0
  9. 9.Reading ComprehensionImportance 2.9
  10. 10.WritingImportance 2.9
  11. 11.Service OrientationImportance 2.9
  12. 12.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.9

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
None
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • Email software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • SAP software
  • Virtual private networking VPN software

Common tasks

  • Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
  • Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
  • Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
  • Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
  • Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
  • Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
  • Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
  • Log data, such as water levels and weather conditions.
  • Prepare accident reports.
  • Perform maintenance duties, such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Bridge and Lock Tenders salary in other locations

Other occupations in IA