Bridge and Lock Tenders Salary in Cleveland, OH
In Cleveland, OH, bridge and lock tenders earn $43,700 at the median — $21.01 an hour. The range runs from $39K at the entry level to $44K for experienced workers. Cost of living is below average (RPP 93.92), which stretches that salary to about $46,529 in buying power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,279/month — about 42.9% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $44K get you in Cleveland?
About bridge and lock tenders
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Cleveland, OH
Entry-level bridge and lock tenders (10th percentile) start around $39K. Mid-career wages sit at $44K.Top earners bring in $44K or more - a $4K spread from bottom to top.
Bridge and Lock Tenders pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $76K | +30% | 50 |
| Mississippi | $73K | +25% | 50 |
| Minnesota | $73K | +25% | 70 |
| Missouri | $73K | +24% | 40 |
| Iowa | $70K | +20% | 60 |
| Illinois | $70K | +19% | 290 |
| Alabama | $68K | +16% | 60 |
| Pennsylvania | $68K | +15% | 120 |
| West Virginia | $65K | +12% | 60 |
| Tennessee | $65K | +11% | 40 |
| Kentucky | $61K | +4% | 90 |
| Texas | $59K | +1% | 70 |
| California | $58K | -1% | 70 |
| Michigan | $56K | -4% | 60 |
| Ohio | $56K | -4% | 100 |
Track bridge and lock tenders salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Cleveland numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do bridge and lock tenders make in Cleveland, OH?
The median is $43,700 a year - that works out to about $21.01 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $39,260, and experienced bridge and lock tenders can clear $43,700. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $44K enough to live in Cleveland?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,055/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,279/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 41.9% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a bridge and lock tenders salary go in Cleveland?
Cleveland has a Regional Price Parity of 93.92 (100 is the national average). That's below average - your money stretches further here than the raw salary number suggests. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median bridge and lock tenders salary is worth about $46,529 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do bridge and lock tenders get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.