CFChooseField
Transportation and Logistics

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Operate and tend bridges, canal locks, and lighthouses to permit marine passage on inland waterways, near shores, and at danger points in waterway passages. May supervise such operations. Includes drawbridge operators, lock operators, and slip bridge operators.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Bridge and Lock Tenders
Download graphic

Median pay

$58,490
Median annual pay for Bridge and Lock Tenders.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

10-year growth

-3.3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Annual openings

300
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Employment

2,900
Estimated U.S. employment for Bridge and Lock Tenders in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

Jobs added or lost

-100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
View source ↗
O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Public Safety and Security
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Telecommunications
  4. 4Education and Training
  5. 5Transportation
  6. 6Customer and Personal Service

Abilities

  1. 1Information Ordering
  2. 2Near Vision
  3. 3Auditory Attention
  4. 4Control Precision
  5. 5Far Vision
  6. 6Selective Attention

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Enterprising
  4. 4Investigative
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Self-Control
  6. 6Cooperation

Work activities

  1. 1Controlling Machines and Processes
  2. 2Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  3. 3Documenting/Recording Information
  4. 4Getting Information
  5. 5Training and Teaching Others
  6. 6Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Work context

  1. 1Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  2. 2Telephone Conversations
  3. 3Contact With Others
  4. 4Consequence of Error
  5. 5Freedom to Make Decisions
  6. 6Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Representative 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyOracle PeopleSoft · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyEmail softwareVirtual private networking VPN software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

ChooseField compares fields using public labor-market and professional sources.