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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Bridge and Lock Tenders to decrease by -2.3% between 2024 and 2034, from 3,100 to 3,100 jobs. Its estimate of 300 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($57,700), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
3,100
Projected employment (2034)
3,100
Projected change (2024–2034)
-2%
Annual openings (projected average)
300
Pay & Preparation
$57,700
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Short-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Monitoring (3.25/5) • Operation and Control (3/5) • Critical Thinking (3/5) • Speaking (3/5) • Coordination (3/5) • Active Listening (3/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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