Bridge and Lock Tenders Salary in North Carolina (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Bridge and Lock Tenders in North Carolina, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
North Carolina Median
$41,380
per year
Hourly Rate
$19.89
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-28% vs US median
US median $57,700
State Rank
#21 of 23
50 employed here

How much do Bridge and Lock Tenders make in North Carolina?

Bridge and Lock Tenders in North Carolina take home a median of $41,380 annually — roughly $19.89 an hour — which runs 28% below the national median of $57,700.

Within North Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $34,230 while the top 10% make $45,860 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $34,230 and $44,550 a year.

Bridge and Lock Tenders salary range in North Carolina

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$34,230$16.46
25th percentile (early career)$34,230$16.46
50th percentile (median)$41,380$19.89
75th percentile (experienced)$44,550$21.42
90th percentile (top earners)$45,860$22.05

How North Carolina compares

North Carolina ranks 21st out of 23 states and territories for Bridge and Lock Tenders pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Washington$78,020
2Mississippi$74,730
3Minnesota$74,420
4Missouri$74,110
5California$72,390

Working as Bridge and Lock Tenders in North Carolina

Nationally, about 3,000 people work as Bridge and Lock Tenders in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare North Carolina pay ($41,380) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Bridge and Lock Tenders make in North Carolina?
The median Bridge and Lock Tenders salary in North Carolina is $41,380 per year, or about $19.89 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $34,230 at the entry level to $45,860 for the top 10% of earners.
How does North Carolina pay compare to the national average?
North Carolina pays Bridge and Lock Tenders about 28% less than the national median of $57,700. North Carolina ranks 21st out of 23 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is North Carolina a good state for Bridge and Lock Tenders?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $41,380 a year. About 50 Bridge and Lock Tenders are employed in North Carolina. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in North Carolina?
The highest-paying occupations in North Carolina include Surgeon, All Other ($398,410), Dermatologist ($367,350), Emergency Medicine Physician ($339,350), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Bridge and Lock Tenders salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.