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.
Also called: Bridge Crew Member, Bridge Leverman, Bridge Opener, Bridge Operator, Bridge Saw Operator, Bridge Tender
Median pay
$57,700
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$28,090 – $75,360
People employed
3,040
Holland code
RCE
Realistic · Conventional · Enterprising
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 2.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 3.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 4.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
The hard parts
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Bridge and Lock Tenders pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (23 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What bridge and lock tenders do
- 01Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
- 02Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
- 03Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
- 04Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
- 05Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
- 06Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Telecommunications
- Education and Training
- Transportation
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from bridge and lock tenders
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers89% · +19%
- Locomotive Engineers84% · +41%
- Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers84% · +5%
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters82% · +35%
- Hoist and Winch Operators82% · −2%
Change into bridge and lock tenders
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Motorboat Operators77% · $47,520
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers75% · $68,840
- Highway Maintenance Workers74% · $50,260
- Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers74% · $60,600
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs74% · $37,290