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.

What you'd actually do

• 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.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0% of bridge and lock tenders are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on and organized and detail-focused.

Related careers

• Flight Attendants
• Crane and Tower Operators
• Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
• Locomotive Engineers
• Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
• Commercial Pilots

Quick questions

How much does a bridge and lock tender make?

The median pay is $27.74 per hour — roughly $57,500 a year, with the real range running from about $13.51/hr (10th percentile) to $36.23/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a bridge and lock tender?

The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

What does a bridge and lock tender actually do all day?

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.