Bridge and Lock Tenders Salary in Kentucky
In Kentucky, bridge and lock tenders earn $60,780 at the median — $29.22 an hour. The range runs from $47K at the entry level to $79K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $61K get you in Kentucky?
About bridge and lock tenders
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Kentucky
Entry-level bridge and lock tenders (10th percentile) start around $47K. Mid-career wages sit at $61K.Top earners bring in $79K or more - a $32K 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 Kentucky numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do bridge and lock tenders make in Kentucky?
The median is $60,780 a year - that works out to about $29.22 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $46,850, and experienced bridge and lock tenders can clear $79,090. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $61K enough to live in Kentucky?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,037/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $1,110/month (median of metro areas), which eats 27.5% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a bridge and lock tenders salary go in Kentucky?
Kentucky has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median bridge and lock tenders salary is worth about $60,780 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.