CDCareer Decision

Bridge and Lock Tenders Salary in TN

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Bridge and Lock Tenders in TN have a median annual salary of $60,420, with 60 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $49,900 at the 10th percentile to $65,060 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

$60,420

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$29.05

Employment

60

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$49,900
10th
$49,900
25th
$60,420
Median
$65,060
75th
$65,060
90th

Local compared with national

TN

$60,420

Median annual · 2025

United States

$57,700

Median annual · 2025

The TN median is 4.7% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $2,720).

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 TN